POLICE in Widnes have arrested a suspect after a knife and lock cutters were seized by officers.

It comes following an inspector’s promise for ‘more robust policing’ in the town, including more warrants and stop-searches.

Cheshire Police officers in Widnes town centre responded to reports of a stolen bike, leading to the arrest and the bike being recovered.

The force’s Widnes Police team said: “Following information of suspicious activity in the town by our CCTV operators, neighbourhood and response officers responded in force.

“They rounded up a suspect who had just stolen a hard-working member of the public’s pedal cycle while they were making an honest living.

“The suspect was swiftly arrested, the pedal cycle recovered and immediately returned to the proud owner.

“A potentially lethal weapon which had been in the possession of our suspect and the tool used to commit the theft were also recovered to prevent harm and use in further offences.”

The arrest comes days following a statement to residents by Inspector Dickin, neighbourhood inspector for Widnes, promising more ‘robust’ policing in the town.

He previously promised an increase in warrants being executed and greater stop-searches.

He added: “My officers responded, recovered, reunited and arrested all within a matter of a couple of minutes of this report being received.

“Excellent actions by my officers, who I am extremely proud to work alongside, and the kind of excellent policing this town quite rightly receives daily.

“I promised robust policing and a hostile environment for criminals to operate in our town.

“I made it clear lawful stop and search would increase, and less than 24 hours later we have delivered. Here is your proof that that we stick to our word, and that will continue to do so.”