A 48-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced for an incident in which the A666 was shut for police officers' own safety.

Darren Bowker, of Sharnford Close, The Haulgh, admitted one count of possession of a knife in a public place.

He was wielding a 12inch black combat knife and two smaller throwing knives in nearby Leverhulme Park, in the early hours of Saturday, January 23.

At around 11.30pm the previous evening a dozen officers were seen running with torches through the area and advising locals to stay inside.

Traffic officers closed the A666 St Peter's Way in both directions while the manhunt continued.

At the time GMP said officers had been called to "reports a man armed with a knife was causing a disturbance" and Bowker was eventually arrested.

Bowker pleaded guilty at Bolton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

He received a nine month community order with a requirement to complete a rehabilitation activity.

Bowker must pay a fine of £120, a victim surcharge of £60 and court costs of £85 and must forfeit the three knives.