A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a firearms offence after armed police were called out on to the streets of Worcester.

Police responded with firearms officers and dogs when they received reports of a man with a concealed weapon.

They first went to The Cross at around 4.20pm but later moved in in force on at Rainbow Hill.

West Mercia Police issued this statement:

At approximately 4.20pm this afternoon (Tuesday 15 April) West Mercia Police responded to concerns that a man was in Worcester city centre with a concealed weapon.

Armed officers carried out a number of searches and a 42-year-old local man was arrested on Rainbow Hill on suspicion of a firearms offence. He currently remains in police custody.

Chief Inspector Adam Thomas said: “We take the public’s safety very seriously and our focus throughout was to ensure the safety of the people of Worcester.

“We are pleased that we were able to resolve the incident peacefully and that no one was harmed. 

“We understand that seeing armed officers can be alarming to the community but we hope the public recognise that protecting the public from harm remains at the heart of all we do.

Police enquiries continue.