A MAN suffered only ‘minor’ injuries in an incident in the town centre this morning which prompted the market and town centre shops to go into ‘lockdown’.
Social media was alive this morning with reports of people wielding knives. Eyewitnesses said it was a frightening scene for a short while confirming they had seen a woman with what looked like a kitchen knife, but the trouble was over quickly and traders were soon back to ‘business as usual’.
A police spokesman confirmed one woman has been arrested and remains in police custody. South Yorkshire Police are receiving support from 'counter terrorism' officers in their investigation.
“Police received numerous calls from around 8.20am reporting a woman was in possession of a knife in the town centre,” a force statement said.
“One man suffered minor injuries. No other injuries have been reported at this time.”
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Forber said: “We understand that this morning’s incident will have been distressing and shocking for those in the town centre and wider Barnsley communities – rest assured we are working relentlessly to piece together what happened.
“A kitchen knife has been recovered by officers and is being forensically examined.
“At this stage, we are keeping an open mind as to the motivation. The investigation is being led by South Yorkshire Police but we are receiving support from detectives at Counter Terrorism Policing North East. It is not appropriate to speculate further.
“I’d urge anyone who witnessed this morning’s incident to get in touch with officers – if you hold any footage of the incident, we’d be really keen to speak with you as well.
“We’re in discussions with Barnsley Football Club ahead of this afternoon’s match – home and away fans are advised that there will be a police presence at the game and around the stadium to provide reassurance.
“I’d ask that the public continue to be vigilant and if you see anything that distresses you, or causes you concern, please report it to officers either in person or by calling 101. If a crime is in progress or a life is at risk, call 999 immediately.”
There will continue to be a high visibility policing presence in the town centre as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 246 of 8 September 2018.
Paul Bates from Keith’s Quality Meats, in the new food hall, said the situation was now calm but people were locked out - and locked in - for about half an hour. “People were quite calm,” he said. “It was very well handled and just a security precaution. Everywhere is open again now but there’s still lots of police presence.”
Keeley Flint, of Peel Square stall Kiss Collection witnessed the drama up close. She said: “I think whatever it was, it was more to frighten people than to hurt people. The chap who was hurt came to speak to me and said he wasn’t really ‘stabbed’ it just touched him really.
“He only went in the ambulance to be checked over, and didn’t need to go to hospital.”
Abdul Razzaq, of nearby stall Fashion and Style, followed a suspect around to try and make sure nobody get hurt.
“I didn’t feel frightened. I just care about people and wanted to make sure everyone was OK.”
Several small police cordons remain in place but most of the town centre is now accessible again.
