WORCESTER MP Robin Walker has praised the way police dealt with a worrying situation in which a man threatened an officer with a knife, before attempting to jump into the canal in Sidbury.

The drama first began around 4.30pm on Saturday, when officers initially spoke to the man in Portland Street, before he produced the knife and threatened an officer.

At one point 10 police vehicles, including vans and cars, were at the scene near the Commandery, and a section of the A44 was closed for about three hours.

The man fled the scene to the canal towpath near the Kings Head, where he began to self harm and threatened to jump into an empty lock, climbing down the ladder.

A trained negotiator arrived and spoke to the man, before police were able to disarm him and bring him to safety.

Worcester News reader Samantha Williams wrote on Facebook: "We were in the Kings Head about 40mins before and all seemed OK then.

"Everything seemed to happen very quickly."

The 26-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of being in breach of a court order, and being in possession of a bladed item.

Superintendent for Worcestershire, Kevin Purcell, has reassured the community the incident was not terrorist related, after the Westminster attack last week.

Supt Kevin Purcell said: "A trained negotiator attended and when the opportunity arose the man was disarmed with a police issue baton.

"First aid was given at the scene before the man was taken to hospital with what is believed to be a broken wrist.

"I am pleased that the prompt action by our officers has prevented a more serious incident occurring.

"No officers have been injured.

"I would like to assure members of the public that this incident was not terrorist related.

"We understand that various people may have recorded the incident, and we would welcome any footage that is available."

Worcester MP Robin Walker wrote: "Looks like local police handled this difficult situation very well.

"After a difficult week well done and thank you."

Anyone with footage of the incident can pass this to police by calling 101, quoting incident 528S.

  • UPDATE: Adam Merry, of Rodborough Drive, Worcester, has been charged in connection with the incident on Saturday night. The 26-year-old is charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress; using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence; and being in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He will appear at Worcester Magistrates' Court this morning (Monday).