Three men have been arrested after allegedly “doing nitrous oxide balloons” in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester.

Three men, aged 23, 26, and 28, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.

Police made the arrests last night (Friday February 2) after reportedly spotting the men in a vehicle.

The substance has now been made illegal.

The 26-year-old driver was also arrested on suspicion of driving uninsured and without a licence. They remain in police custody for questioning.

The Bolton News: Read our top stories below:

These are the latest arrests under the Operation Vulcan initiative, which was launched in Piccadilly Gardens in September in a bid to transform the area, making it a safe and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Detective Constable Matt Bowling, one of Operation Vulcan’s specialist officers said: “By having regular police presence in the area we’re already starting to see positive changes.

“We’re determined to drive out this criminality and show people that Piccadilly Gardens is no longer a lucrative place to commit crime or sell drugs, police will seize them, and you will be arrested. 

“The type of crime that impacts Piccadilly Gardens changes hour by hour and that is why persistent presence, using specialist officers and covert resources, is so important to this operation as we continue to tackle these issues and resolve the root causes.”

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.