Longton incident

Police are responding to a report of a fight involving weapons and have closed The Strand in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, while they investigate. 

Officers were called at 11.45am today (Saturday 6 June) following a report of a large group of people fighting in the area.

Some of the men were described as holding metal bars and baseball bats. 

A cordon has been put in place and police are advising people to avoid the area. 

Several ambulances are at the scene and an air ambulance landed just off Forrester Street.

A police aeroplane is also currently circling the city

Longton Exchange Shopping Centre have released the following statement (The incident did not happen on their premises) -

"We are aware of the serious incident that took place in Longton town centre today and the ongoing police and emergency services presence in the area.

Whilst the incident did not occur within Longton Exchange Shopping Centre, we understand that events of this nature can cause concern within our community.

The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, tenants and staff remains our highest priority. Our security team remains on site, and we continue to work closely with the relevant authorities while monitoring the situation.

We would like to thank Staffordshire Police, Stoke-on-Trent Police the ambulance service, air ambulance crews and all emergency service personnel who responded so quickly today. Their professionalism, dedication and commitment to keeping our community safe is greatly appreciated."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.