THIS is the dramatic moment cops swooped on a man armed with an axe in Birmingham as a vigil was being held for victims of the Manchester terror attack.

The 39-year-old man can be heard screaming and shouting as he was handcuffed by officers close to where 1,000 people had gathered in Victoria Square to pay tribute to the 22 victims.

4 Officers arrested a man who was carrying an axe at a Birmingham vigil for last night's terror attack Credit: SNAPPERSK

4 A policeman carries away weapons the man was brandishing Credit: SNAPPERSK

4 Police detained a man apparently armed with a knife and baseball bat Credit: Twitter

He was taken away in a riot van amid heightened tensions following last night's attack.

Speakers who had been paying tribute to the Manchester victims were interrupted by the man's loud protests as he was led away by officers from a side street.

Superintendent Andy Parsons, responsible for policing in the west of Birmingham, said: “Officers spotted the man acting suspiciously and spoke to him. At this point they have arrested him.

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“The man was carrying a bag, and as a precaution, Victoria Square where the vigil was being held was cleared for around 15 minutes.

“A small axe was recovered along with a large stick.

“We will be interviewing the man to understand his intentions after mental health experts have assessed his condition.

4 The man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon Credit: SNAPPERSK

“I’d like to thank people for the calm and collected way in which they responded to the incident. The professionalism of our officers who responded to the incident is also commendable and indicative of British policing.”

In a statement, West Midlands Police confirmed a man - who was known to officers and is believed to have a history of mental health problems - was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.