A MAN has been arrested after he was spotted with a machete.

People in Accrington spotted the man with the weapon near the Coppice woodland.

A 49-year-old man from Accrington was arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon.

Police arrived at the scene and searched for the man.

A police spokesman said: "It was reported at around 10.40am today (Tuesday, May 11th) that a man had been seen in the Coppice area of Accrington with a machete.

"Officers, including armed officers, attended the area, with support from the police helicopter, and a short time later the man was located.

"A 49-year-old man from Accrington was arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon."

The man remains in custody.