Police search for man who ran through Milton Keynes shopping centre armed with a large knife

The drama, which left shoppers "shaken", happened at around 12.40pm, when the centre was busy with visitors and children, say police.

It followed a disagreement between two groups of men near Marks and Spencer.

A police spokesman said: "One of the men took a large knife from his trousers and then ran after the group through the shopping centre."

Nobody was injured during the incident and police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident.

The offender is described as a slim white man, approximately 18-years-old with blonde hair. He was wearing a black baseball cap, a grey tracksuit with Puma written in black and black trainers with light coloured laces. He was carrying a black bag across his body.

Investigating officer PC Barry Gargett, based at Milton Keynes police station, said: “This is an incident that has understandably left those in the area feeling shaken as it happened at a time when the centre was busy with shoppers and families. I am appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident and has not yet spoken to officers to get in touch with us."

He added: “We believe that this was an isolated incident and are following up on a number of leads. You will see a number of officers in the area as we progress the investigation into this incident, so please do speak to them with any concerns that you have as they are also there to reassure you.

“If you have any information that could help with this investigation, you can contact us using our online form or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43200233401. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via their website or on 0800 555 111.”