Arrest made as nine-hour Radcliffe bridge incident sparks 'chaos'

Police on the scene on Church Street West in Radcliffe(Image: MEN)

A man has been arrested in Radcliffe amid a huge emergency response on a street this morning.

According to Grater Manchester Police, officers were first called to the incident on Church Street West at around 1am today (April 9) over reports of a concern for welfare. The Manchester Evening News understands a man was on a bridge in the area.

A huge cordon was put in place on the street, with no access to the busy road for drivers or pedestrians. A Tactical Aid Unit van was pictured on the scene amid a large number of police, paramedic and fire service vehicles.

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Negotiators were also called to the scene. One eyewitness, who said he knew the man on the bridge, said he caused 'chaos' after scaling the structure.

The eyewitness said: "He's gone up on the bridge and caused chaos. He was shouting all sorts and throwing stuff off the bridge." They added they heard the individual say 'just everybody f***k off and I'll come down.'

Debris could be seen strewn across the road below the bridge within the cordon. Another resident said: "I saw him in the bridge. He looked agitated, he was sat in the edge and his feet were dangling. Then he would stand up and walk around behind

"They eventually managed to talk him down."

The M.E.N understands the man was taken to safety. He has since been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said.

A business owner spoke about the impact the road closures had on stores along the street stating: "It's really sad. I don't know much, but we found all this police when we came to open up. It's a massive scene and there's a knock on effect for our business and the others."

In an initial statement, a GMP spokesperson said: "Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on East Street, Radcliffe, reported at around 1am today (09/04/26) Road closures are currently in place while emergency services attend."

In an update just after 10am, the spokesperson added: "A man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage."