ARMED police took to the streets after a supermarket security guard was attacked with a machete.

Police were called to Morrisons in Great Harwood at 2.55pm on Thursday following reports that a member of staff had been assaulted with the weapon.

Armed police and uniform officers were deployed and were carrying out door-to-door enquiries in a bid to locate the suspect.

The store security guard was still speaking to officers at 6pm but police said he had not been seriously injured.

On Thursday evening officers said a suspect had been arrested in connection with the attack.

A police spokesman said: “We were called at around 2.55pm after someone reported that a security guard had been attacked by someone with a machete in the car park of Morrisons.

“Luckily, no-one was seriously injured.”

Nearby shop staff and councillors spoke of their shock at the incident.

Cllr Noordad Aziz, who represents the Netherton ward on Hyndburn Council, said: “It’s worrying that something like this has happened. It is not something that is associated with the town.

“Hopefully this is an isolated incident. Great Harwood has got such a great community spirit. For me this incident is a complete anomaly in this town. It is not something that is tolerated.”

A nearby takeaway worker said: “I saw a lot of police around. It’s very worrying if someone’s getting attacked with a machete.

“I’m not from round here, I just work here but I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

Another takeaway worker said: “It’s usually quite quiet round here.

“You don’t usually see much trouble.”

Police said on Thursday: “Regarding the incident some people may be aware of at Morrisons in Great Harwood earlier, officers have made an arrest of the suspect.

“A brilliant team effort to try to keep the streets safe.”