A MAN carrying a loaded crossbow and a knife in a supermarket was arrested after the weapon was spotted by police officers.

The man, who was in his 40s, was seen with a small hand-held crossbow in a holster on the back of his trousers which was partially concealed by a long coat.

Officers saw him approach the tills in Tesco, Castle Road, Kidderminster at about 5pm on Friday.

He was stopped outside the store and was also found to be carrying a knife.

The man, from Kidderminster, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a controlled drug, and has now been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell of West Mercia Police said: “This arrest happened as a direct result of a new strategy, codenamed Operation Victor, which we introduced earlier this month to reduce robberies at convenience stores and supermarkets right across North Worcestershire.

“It involves police patrols visiting stores during the evenings and overnight, particularly those in rural or isolated locations, where resources allow.

“Shops which open late in the evenings or overnight offer an important service to the community but those working there may feel vulnerable as there are so few people around."

Supt Purcell added that they hoped the operation would both deter offenders and reassure staff that police are out and about keeping an eye on premises.