Arrest after women threatened with bread knife

Police were called to the city centre square on Friday afternoon

A woman suspected of threatening members of the public with a bread knife in a busy city centre has been arrested on suspicion of robbery.

The arrest follows reports of a woman seen carrying the knife and approaching two women in St Mary's Square, close to Gloucester Cathedral, at around 15:40 BST on Friday.

She then asked them to hand over their mobile phones and chased them when they refused, police said, with reports she had also threatened a third woman in the area.

Armed police were deployed to the scene and, after a search, arrested a 28-year-old woman on suspicion of robbery and possession of a bladed article.

The knife was also seized by officers, Gloucestershire Police said, while the woman remains in custody.

Inspector Ash Gardner, from Gloucester's neighbourhood policing team, said: "We received a number of reports yesterday afternoon of a woman approaching members of the public and making threats. Officers were quickly on the scene and were able to make an arrest.

"We would like to reassure the public that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour. We will act swiftly to apprehend anyone who creates fear among the people who live and work in our communities."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, who has not yet spoken to police, has been asked to get in touch with the force.