POLICE were called after a man threatened bar security staff with a machete after being refused entry.

Officers arrested a man following the disturbance at Marine Street Social in New Brighton on Friday evening (June 18).

Police attended at about 10.30pm after it was reported a man was involved in an altercation with security staff.

The man was reported to have produced a machete-style knife, and staff picked up outdoor furniture as the man held the weapon towards them.

He was restrained a short time later and the weapon recovered by staff, before leaving on foot.

There are no reports that anyone was injured by the offender.

Patrols attended the area and located a man nearby who was searched and found in possession of a bag of white powder. The knife was also seized for forensic examination, and examination of CCTV footage is ongoing.

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A 23-year-old man from Tranmere was arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of a controlled drug (cocaine). While in police custody it is alleged he verbally abused officers and he was further arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Detective Inspector Cat Walsh said: “As our pubs and bars open their doors again after such a challenging time for everyone, we want people to be able to go out and enjoy their evening safely.

“We simply will not tolerate isolated incidents such as this and have already stepped up patrols in key busy areas across Merseyside. We have deployed knife arches, mounted patrols and officers in uniform and plain clothes to keep people safe.

“Incidents such as this only strengthen our resolve to make sure the overwhelming majority who can now socialise with friends in licensed premises can do so without fear of witnessing such intimidating behaviour.

“Our officers will continue to work tirelessly with the public and our partners to prevent violence and remove the scourge of knife crime from our streets.

“We are aware of camera phone footage circulating on social media showing part of this incident. We have reviewed this footage but continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any other footage which may assist our enquires to contact police.”

If you witnessed the incident or have any information, please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 21000427858 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crowd.in/6BKPGq.