ARMED police surrounded a property in Poole after responding to reports of a man wielding a machete.

Dorset Police were initially called to Marshal Road, around 11.40am on Wednesday, amid reports of a man, armed with a machete, hurling bricks at a house.  A woman was also reported to be in possession of a metal bar.

The man left the area in a vehicle which was quickly located in neighbouring Cavan Crescent.

Searches of the area, involving armed officers and police dogs, commenced and a property at Cavan Crescent was eventually surrounded by officers.

The crescent was sealed off by police during the incident. and residents gathered at one end of the cordon to watch the drama unfold.

Bournemouth Echo:

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “You get so many problems around here, it is quite a lively place to live to say the least.

“It is a little disconcerting to hear of people running around the estate with machetes and iron bars.”

Another neighbour said: “I nearly had a heart attack when I saw the road cordoned off and all of the armed police everywhere.

“However, it was good to be reasonably quickly assured by the police that we were all safe though.”

Armed police in full tactical gear were seen outside the address.

However, at 4pm a Dorset Police spokesman confirmed the cordon had been lifted and no arrests had been made.

Officers had allowed some residents, those not living directly next to the cordoned off property, to access their homes during the incident.

Meanwhile, Dorset Police also maintained a presence outside a property in Marshal Road.

The NPAS helicopter was involved in the operation.

Dorset Police says investigations into the initial incident continue.

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police on 101.

Alternatively, witnesses or anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111