Armed police were present in Biddulph town centre last night (Thursday) after receiving reports of a man with a knife.

The reports related to an "altercation" between two men outside the Crown and Cushion pub on Biddulph High Street, just after 7pm last night.

One of the men was reported to have a knife, but the men had left the scene by the time police arrived.

Residents also reported seeing marked and unmarked police cars on St John's Road and Douglas Avenue at around the same time.

The two men were later found, with one of them being arrested, but he was released without charge and no weapons were found.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "Officers were called to reports of an altercation between two men outside the Crown and Cushion pub in High Street, Biddulph, just after 7.05pm on Thursday September 10th.

"It was reported that one of those involved had a knife so armed response officers were sent to the scene, however the men had left the location.

"Following enquiries and searches they were both located and spoken to, a 39-year-old man from Biddulph was initially arrested but he was later released without charge. No weapons were found."