Man admits bringing knives and weapons onto school grounds in Middleton arrest

Friday, 8 August 2025 19:48

By David Murphy

A man arrested outside a school in Middleton last week has now pleaded guilty to a string of offences, including possessing offensive weapons and criminal damage.

Police responded swiftly around midday on Wednesday, 6 August, after reports of a man behaving suspiciously near Edgar Wood Academy on Heywood Old Road.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police arrived at the scene and arrested a man on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. Eyewitnesses described a visible police presence near the school gates, including a blue forensics tent.

The suspect, now identified as 20-year-old Both Douk Deng of Taylor Street, Heywood, was taken into custody. No injuries were reported, and police said there was no wider threat to the public.

Following further investigation, including a search of his home address, Deng was charged with multiple offences. At a hearing on Friday 8 August at Manchester Magistrates Court, he pleaded guilty to:

Two counts of criminal damage
Two counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place
Two counts of possession of an offensive weapon on school premises
One count of possession of a bladed article in a public place
One count of possession of a bladed article on school premises

Deng, who stated in court he is of South Sudanese origin, has been remanded in custody. He is due to appear for sentencing at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday 5 September 2025.

GMP said officers acted promptly to ensure community safety and have praised the public for their swift reporting of the suspicious activity.