A father exercising in a park wearing a weighted gym vest sparked a significant armed police response in Salford, Greater Manchester. The man, in his 40s, was pictured with his hands raised as snipers aimed at him on Friday following reports of a “suspicious male” at Mandley Park around 11:52 am. Concerns arose when onlookers noticed the man in a vest carrying what appeared to be wires.
Online panic ensued as images and videos circulated falsely claiming he had a “suicide bomb” or “bomb vest.” Greater Manchester Police (GMP) later clarified that it was a misunderstanding, confirming the man was wearing a weighted gym vest and carrying a skipping rope for exercise at the park’s outdoor gym.
The man, who chose to remain anonymous, mentioned feeling scared during the incident and complied with police instructions to ensure safety. He explained that he uses the weighted vest and skipping rope as part of his regular workout routine, following medical advice to improve his fitness due to diabetes and heart issues.
Despite the mistaken alarm, no further action was taken against the man, and GMP assured there was no threat to the community. Members of the Jewish community in Salford expressed gratitude for the swift police response and reassurance that there was no danger posed. The incident highlighted the current heightened anxiety within the Jewish community, emphasizing the importance of security measures and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.