A MAN was arrested after allegedly being found with a knife and a 'substantial' quantity of drugs in Paisley town centre.

The 32-year-old was apprehended by police on Tuesday, December 11, in High Street at around 5pm, after officers suspected him of shoplifting.

When the suspect was searched by officers, they found him in possession of a lock back knife and a quantity of controlled drugs.

The man is due to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court today.

Inspector Tracey Harkins, community officer in Paisley, said: "We have a number of extra patrols, including plain clothes officers, deployed in the town centre area as part of our festive plan.

"This was excellent work by the local officers who spotted the male acting suspiciously. Their vigilance has ensured that a potentially letal weapon has been removed from the streets and a substantial quantity of drugs removed from circulation."