I imagine he was just carrying the longbow home after a morning's practice at a local club: http://www.nuneaton-news.co.uk/8203-Firearms-officers-arrest-man-brandishing/story-29033526-detail/story.html

Reading that report the word 'brandishing' is used.

Unless he was actually threatening to use it I think plod are being over reactive. The bow itself is relatively harmless unless arrows are present.

I'm not aware that carrying an uncovered bow is in itself an offence?

I shall have to see how this one develops.

Strictly speaking, so I've been told, bows are offensive weapon, although it does seem over zealous to arrest someone for just carrying one around.

Interesting older discussion on the topic Lex...

Old Bill site

Thanks for that Rebbonk - most useful.