ARMED police were called after a man appeared to fire a gun into the air in Pershore early on Saturday morning.

Emergency services were called to the town's High Street between 1am and 2am on April 26 to reports of ongoing disorder.

A serious firearms incident was declared after a paramedic saw a man fire what they believed to be a handgun into the air.

A specialised policing unit including armed officers was mobilised and five men were arrested shortly after. Four were released without charge and the fifth was questioned about firearms offences and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

A blank firing pistol – possibly a starting pistol – was also recovered from the scene.

Inspector James Fitzpatrick from West Mercia Police said: “Such incidents are rare, especially in a usually peaceful place such as Pershore.

“We take the threat of use of firearms in our communities very seriously.

“I am glad to say the situation was resolved quickly without further incident or injury to anyone involved.

"An investigation has been launched and if anyone who witnessed what took place has yet to be in touch with police I urge them to come forward."

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 48-s-260414.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.