A 41-YEAR-OLD man from Runcorn has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon and causing criminal damage in the town.

Robert Stewart of Grangeway, who has been released on unconditional bail, is set to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, January 31 to answer charges of possessing a bladed article in a public place and causing criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.

The charges relate to an incident in Grangeway, Runcorn, at around 8.30pm on Sunday, January 13 when armed officer were deployed following reports of a man carrying a sword.

No-one was injured as a result of the incident but a wall was damaged.