A man has been arrested in Middlesbrough believed to be in possession of a machete after trying to get away from police on foot.

At about 1am today (Thursday, March 28) a 53-year-old man was spotted by officers who suspected he had a weapon.

The police managed to catch him and they found a machete, a small knife and suspected class A and class C drugs.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession of a blade in a public place and drugs offences.

The man remains in police custody.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "A 53-year-old man is in police custody after officers on patrol in Middlesbrough spotted a man believed to be in possession of a machete.

"Around 1am this morning, Thursday, March 28, officers on proactive patrols in the Fulbeck Road area of Middlesbrough attempted to stop a male who they believed was in possession of a machete.

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"The man made off and he was pursued on foot.

"He was detained by police and a machete, a small knife and suspected class A and class C drugs were recovered.

"The 53-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a blade in a public place and drugs offences. He remains in police custody at this time."