Police swarm to 'man with gun' reports near Bolton pub on Easter Sunday

Police swarm to 'man with gun' reports near Bolton pub on Easter SundayA man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm near the Beehive pub in Bolton, with police confirming the item was non-viableNewsJohn Scheerhout and Kirstie McCrum19:34, 05 Apr 2026View ImageThe Bee Hive pub in Chorley New Road, Horwich(Image: Google Maps)Police responded to reports of a man carrying a gun near a pub - but when officers arrived they found the 'weapon' was actually a stick.The incident unfolded close to the Beehive pub on Chorley New Road in Bolton on Easter Sunday (April 5) afternoon. Police rushed to the scene at approximately 12.30pm after receiving reports of a male with a firearm.A man in his 40s was detained on suspicion of possession of a firearm. However, it is understood the alleged weapon was a stick rather than a gun", reports the Manchester Evening News.A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Earlier today at around 12:30pm, officers responded to reports of a male with a firearm on Chorley Old Road, Bolton."One man, aged in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm and the item has been deemed non-viable."Article continues belowThe Manchester Evening News contacted the Beehive pub but staff declined to comment.