AN off-duty police officer helped to arrest a teenager suspected of brandishing a knife on a busy road in Warrington.

Chief superintendent Jon Betts was driving along Chester Road when he came across the teenager at 8pm yesterday, Tuesday.

The officer alerted police colleagues then subsequently seized the knife. 

He then arrested the teenager and – with the help of two people – restrained the 17-year-old until officers arrived.

He was arrested on suspicion of affray, possession of a bladed article, criminal damage to a number of vehicles and later, police assault, and racially aggravated public order.

Chief superintendent Jon Betts said: “You’re never off duty as an officer and always have community safety at the forefront of your mind.

“There were a lot of people around at the time, some of whom offered their assistance. 

"So I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them.”