Man who brandished hammer at university students in Portsmouth to face no further action

A hammer-wielding man who was arrested for brandishing the weapon around university students celebrating their graduation will face no further action.

Police arrested a 38-year-old on July 30 after receiving reports of a man waving a hammer around in the Guildhall Walk area at 1.24pm.

Officers attended the scene and arrested the man, from Portsmouth, on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. He was previously released on bail until October 30 while enquiries continue.

The incident took place while Guildhall Square was heaving with university students on the final day of graduation ceremonies, which were taking place in the city throughout July.

Police have now revealed the man will face no further action. “Following a review of all the evidence available to police at this time, including reviewing CCTV from the area, no criminal offences have been identified and the 38-year-old man who was previously arrested has been released with no further action to be taken,” police said.

“The decision has been made to file this investigation, pending any further information coming to light.”