A man who was carrying an umbrella which was confused for a weapon has been arrested.

There was an increased police presence along Ruxley Lane last night (April 20) as officers were called to reports that a man was causing a disturbance and carrying a weapon.

Officers attended and detained a 49-year-old man matching the description.

Police say he was carrying a long umbrella in a sheath believed to have been mistaken for a weapon.

More offences in the area were reported and a man was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B drugs, criminal damage and three public order offences.

According to police, the man was intoxicated and taken to hospital where he currently remains.

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A spokesperson for Epsom and Ewell Beat said: “Last night, you may have seen an increased police presence along Ruxley Lane, Epsom after we were responded to reports that a man was causing a disturbance and carrying a weapon.

“Officers attended and quickly detained a 49-year-old man matching the description, who was carrying a long umbrella in a sheath believed to have been mistaken for a weapon.

“Enquiries led to reports of further offences in the area and the man was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B drugs, criminal damage and three public order offences.

“The 49-year-old was intoxicated and taken to hospital where he currently remains.”