Police have swooped on a man carrying an axe through the busy streets of Ryde this afternoon (Sunday).
Several concerned members of the public dialled 999 to report the alarming situation when they spotted a male in Winton Street, then Wood Street followed by Vernon Square.
According to Island Echo readers, the man – who is reported to have been topless – was then seen walking along Cross Street and up the High Street towards Garfield Road.
Officers arrived on scene in the heart of Ryde to discover a male in possession of an offensive weapon.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed to Island Echo:
“We were called at 1.02pm to reports of a man carrying an axe in Vernon Square, Ryde.
“A man has been arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon in a public place”.
The suspect has been taken to Newport Police Station for questioning.
UPDATE – Jason Anthony Butchers, 39, of Monkton Street in Ryde, has been charged with possessing knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place – namely an axe. He has also been charged with possessing an offensive weapon in a public place – a knuckle duster.
Mr Butchers will appear before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Tuesday 13th August 2019.
Any news on this case please?