A MAN has been charged following reports of shots being fired in an Evesham cul-de-sac on Sunday.

Aaron Saunders, aged 20, of Summerfield Gardens, where the incident took place, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with possession of an imitation firearm in a public place.

Armed police and dogs were called to the residential area at about 11.55am yesterday after people heard between three and six shots being fired.

Neighbours said they initially believed someone had been shot as a result of the incident but there were no reported injuries.

Paul Cope, of Summerfield Gardens, said: "I hear the noise. There were like three or four shots. I was doing my washing and I heard the shots, it sounded like a shot gun.

"Then I saw some police cars and van and then I saw the officer with his gun."

Witnesses also reported children were playing in the street at the time of the shooting, which is thought to have taken place within a flat in the area.

An unnamed neighbour added: "My son came rushing in to say there was police outside. He didn't go back out again because he was quite scared."

Police were back in the area on Monday but had left by midday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101 quoting reference 0303S 220614.

Saunders has been released on police bail and is due to appear at Worcester Magistrates' Court on Friday, July 11.