A large machete has been found after a police operation in Walton-le-Dale.

In the early hours of the morning, November 8, police spotted an e-bike being ridden by two men who were “acting suspiciously”.

Officers found them on Higher Walton Road. A search was conducted and a large machete was found. The machete and e-bike was seized.

A man, aged 20, from Preston, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and is currently in custody.

The second man was not arrested.

A police spokesperson said: “We have arrested a man following on suspicion of weapons offences following a pro-active patrol in South Ribble.

“At around 4am this morning, (Friday, November 8), while on patrol in the Walton-le-Dale area, officers spotted an e-bike being ridden by two men who were acting suspiciously.

“Despite trying to get away, our officers located them on Higher Walton Road. A search was conducted, and a large machete was discovered and seized, along with the vehicle.

“A 20-year-old man from Preston was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and is currently in our custody waiting to be questioned. The second man was not arrested.

“Operation warrior is Lancashire Police’s response to tackling serious and organised crime in Lancashire, supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.

“It aims to target the individuals and gangs involved in crime, as well as associated issues such as violence and intimidation, large scale drug supply, exploitation, and fraud, all of which can cause serious harm to local communities.”