STAFF and customers were locked inside shops at Runcorn Shopping City yesterday evening as a man walked around with a machete.

At around 5pm on Saturday, armed police were called to the scene and arrested the 49-year-old man who remains in custody.

The shopping centre was also evacuated.

However, police have confirmed that the man did not pose a threat to the public.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: "Armed officers were deployed to the scene and they were able to bring the incident to a swift conclusion.

"The 49-year-old local man was safely detained and arrested. He is currently in custody.

"We’d like to thank all members of the public for their co-operation during this incident."