A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of a bladed article.
It comes after a report that a 56-year-old man had a kitchen knife pulled out on him after he refused a request for a cigarette.
The incident happened in Westwick Road, Bilborough, at 7.30pm on Monday (October 21).
No one was injured in the incident.
Nottinghamshire Police stopped and searched a boy nearby and recovered a knife.
He was arrested and remains in police custody in connection with the incident.
A spokesman said: "Enquiries are continuing any anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 745 of 21 October 2019, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
