A MANHUNT for a suspect alleged to have threatened members of the public with a 'machete' at the weekend ended thanks to a Poole schoolboy and his rescue dog.

UPDATE: Man held after members of the public 'threatened with a knife' in Poole

The NPAS helicopter, a host of police dogs and armed officers were all involved in the search, which began at 6.49am on Saturday after the alleged incident in Sterte Avenue.

But it ended after 16-month-old Irish setter Murphy began barking at the railway tracks behind owner Tracey Jones's home in Sterte Road, sparking police questions that ended in an arrest.

Tracey said: "There was a lot of police activity, but no one really knew what was going on.

"There were armed police outside of the house. Murphy was in the garden and he started barking, which is really unusual for him, and he wouldn't listen to me when I was trying to get him back inside. He only ever really barks there when there's somebody working on the tracks, and they always let us know in advance, so I thought it was very strange."

Despite being called to come back inside, Murphy continued to bark at a spot beyond a hedge in the garden.

"His hackles were up, which never happens as he's such a happy and friendly dog," Tracey said.

"He was going into the hedge, barking and barking, and just wouldn't listen to me at all. That's when my little boy Jack said he could see somebody."

The seven-year-old had crouched down beside his "best friend" Murphy and was looking through the hedge too.

"The police had thought all the barking they could hear was from their dogs, but when they realised it was Murphy instead, they went to have a look," Tracey said.

Officers went on to arrest a man who had been trespassing on the tracks, bringing trains between Bournemouth and Wareham to a standstill for around an hour on Saturday morning.

Station staff are said to have told passengers their train was delayed because a "man with a machete" had got on to railway tracks and was "threatening to kill people".

Train staff reportedly used the tannoy to tell passengers: "Your train has been delayed due to a man in the middle of the line waving a machete threatening to kill people at Poole."

Officers from Dorset Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward following the incident, in which no one was injured.

A 29-year-old man, of an unknown address, has been arrested relation and is helping officers with their enquiries.

Poole South Neighbourhood Inspector Shawn Whitley said: “I would like to thank members of the public for their assistance during the search.

“Even though a man has been arrested, I would urge any witnesses to the incident who have not yet spoken with police to come forward and contact us.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police later confirmed a man was tasered just prior to being arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and criminal damage.

He has been detained under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act.

Dorset Police are investigating along with British Transport Police.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 4:153. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: "Officers were called to the line close to Poole station on Saturday, July 4 following reports of a trespasser around 10am.

"A man has been arrested on suspicion of trespass and malicious obstruction. He is currently in police custody."