A person has been charged after a man was allegedly spotted carrying a knife in Burnley town centre.

On Tuesday, the police received reports of a person allegedly carrying a “machete-type knife”.

A 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife/bladed article.

Miles Whitfield, 48, of no fixed address, has now been charged with shoplifting, breach of a criminal behaviour order and possession of a bladed article.

He has been remanded to appear at Blackburn Magistrates' Court today (May 30).

Officers are “taking reports very seriously” and say the alleged incident is thought to be isolated.

A police spokesperson said: “On Tuesday, we told you about a report we had of a man [allegedly] carrying a machete-type knife in Burnley Town Centre, and we want to bring you an update.

“Our officers responded to that report, and a 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife / bladed article.

“Yesterday, Miles Whitfield, 48, of no fixed address was charged with shoplifting, breach of a criminal behaviour order and possession of a bladed article. He has been remanded to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court today (May 30).

“We know that this may have been alarming for some of you to read. We believe this [alleged] incident to be isolated and there is thought to be no risk to the wider public.

“We want to reassure you today that we take these reports very seriously, and you may see additional neighbourhood policing officers in the town centre over the coming days.

“If you see our officers out and about, and you have any concerns, please do approach them. Alternatively, you can call 101.”