Two men have been arrested on suspicion of wasting police time.

Armed officers descended on Queen Victoria Street in Macclesfield on Wednesday, September 23, following reports that men had been making threats whilst wielding a firearm and a knife.

A 28-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill.

However, he has now been released without charge.

Further enquiries have led to the arrest of a 22-year-old man and an 18-year-old man on suspicion of misuse of the 999 system, wasting police time and racially aggravated public order.

Detective Sergeant Gary Thomas said: "When we get such reports we have to respond as if there is a real threat to ensure the safety of the public, and the officers attending.

"Our enquiries however later established the call was false and two men are now in custody as a result."