Newtownabbey: Police step up patrols after 'potential weapon' seized near school and 'frightening experience' of man reportedly armed with machete
Police are stepping up patrols after a machete and a crowbar were found near a school in Newtownabbey.
They are also appealing for information following reports a man was armed with a machete in the area on Thursday afternoon (June 25).
The PSNI received a report just after 3.05pm that a machete and a crowbar had been found on the pavement in Bleach Green Court. Officers attended and removed the items.
A short time later, police say they were made aware of reports on social media of a man armed with a machete in the area.
Antrim & Newtownabbey District Chief Inspector, Chris Tate, said: "We made contact with the person named on social media, who confirmed that she had seen a man carrying the seized items at around 2.45pm.
"She reported that after he had been shouted at by another man, he dropped the items and ran past her on to Glenville Road.
"He did not make any threats towards her, nor was he behaving an aggressive manner, however this was undoubtedly a frightening experience.
"It is unacceptable for anyone to carry a potential weapon in a public place - and particularly in the vicinity of a school. We have seized the items for forensic testing and are continuing to carry out enquiries in the area.
"We would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident take place to contact us, and are particularly keen to speak to the man who shouted at the suspect, as he may have information that could assist with our investigation.
"We would also emphasise that anyone who sees anything take place in their community which causes them fear or concern should contact police straight away on 101, or 999 in an emergency. This allows us to take immediate action to protect the public."
Chief Inspector Tate continued: "We will have additional patrols in the area today. Our Neighbourhood Policing Team officers attended with the school this morning in order to provide reassurance, and we continue to engage with community partners and representatives around local concern.
"If you have information which could assist, you can contact police using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals - quoting reference 1061 25/06/26. You can also contact us on 101."
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.