Armed police have swarmed a busy area in Salford, Manchester, after reportedly stopping a male. Officers are in attendance at Broughton Park this afternoon. Pictures and video footage posted on social media show a man lying flat on his front on the concrete, surrounded by armed police.

An eyewitness told the outlet there is a "huge amount of police" in the Higher Broughton area. It is believed roads in the surrounding areas have been closed. People are also being urged to avoid the area. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police later said the individual was "wearing a weighted gym vest and carrying a skipping rope while exercising at an outdoor gym." The force added: "This was a false alarm and there is no threat to the wider community."

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