A MAN was arrested after he was seen brandishing 'a machete' in the town centre, causing children distress.

The male, described by witnesses as being in his late 20s or early 30s, was walking up and down Deansgate at around 4pm holding the blade.

He did not make any threats, according to police, but Rebaz Chalabe, from Deansgate One Stop Shop, said a girl, about 12 years old, was cowering in fear in the shop.

Mr Chalabe said: "He was mad and it was terrifying but luckily he was not too close to us.

"The little girl just came into the store and hid behind the display. She was scared and shouting 'I don't want to go out there'."

He described him as walking past Dean Cocozza's barbers in Deansgate before he stopped by Cash Converters.

Witnesses said he then ran towards Le Mans Crescent and one said Mr Cocozza found the blade discarded in a nearby alleyway.

Police were called to the incident at just before 4pm and the man was found and arrested.

A spokesman for the police said: "A male was walking through the streets with a bladed article but did not appear to make any threats.

"We were called to the scene. People were upset. We arrested the man for possession of a bladed article.

"Nobody was injured."

Anybody who has information on the incident should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.