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A man has been arrested following an incident in Cullyhanna on Saturday 26 April. The man was reported to be armed with a machete and members of the public have been praised by police for their assistance during the incident.
On Saturday morning officers from the A Section Local Policing team in Ardmore were called to Cullyhanna after members of the public reported a male armed with a machete. The male was described as covered in blood and displaying aggressive and erratic behaviour.
A crew of two officers arrived within five minutes of receiving the call. With the assistance of two members of the public, they were able to detain the male and secure the machete until additional resources arrived.
Police have expressed their gratitude to the two men who intervened, stating they "bravely prevented our officers from being seriously hurt and helped protect the rest of their community."
The male was subsequently arrested on a number of public order, weapon and drug offences and remains in police custody.
Speaking after the incident Slieve Gullion Councillor Martin Hearty said: "This alarming incident has shocked the community. People in Cullyhanna have the right to feel safe in their homes and in their community."
Cllr Hearty added that he is engaging with police and relevant agencies to ensure a full investigation, "including any wider criminality linked to this case," saying: "The people of Cullyhanna deserve answers, reassurance and action."
The incident has been described by police as an example of the community and officers working together to keep people safe.
