Rochdale, Greater Manchester — A 39-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday morning after police discovered what is believed to be an air pistol near a Remembrance Day ceremony in Rochdale town centre.

Rochdale Cenotaph, Photo by 'evsjordan'

Greater Manchester police approached the individual at approximately 11:30 AM on Wednesday, November 11th, after he appeared to be protesting in the vicinity of the event.

Acting on reasonable grounds, officers conducted a search and recovered what they suspect to be an air pistol. The man was immediately taken into custody on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm, where he remained as police inquiries continued.

Authorities confirmed that the man did not disrupt the service, having stood some distance away from the main ceremony. No injuries have been reported, and police stated there is currently no evidence to suggest the weapon was fired.

This is, of course, a minor incident.