ARMED police rushed to a quiet Poole street on Thursday morning, following reports of a domestic assault.

Dorset Police have not released exact details of the incident, nor have they confirmed if any weapons were involved.

However, they did insist their response was appropriate given the nature of the emergency call.

Events unfolded around 8.45am in Broadstone’s Springdale Avenue.

Neighbours said they were told to stay indoors while specially-trained officers with sub-machine guns helped unarmed colleagues search for a suspect.

Residents told the Daily Echo at least four police cars were at the scene.

One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Nobody has been able to tell any of us what has gone on.

“Police just came around all the neighbours asking if we had seen any suspicious activity in the area.

“But I can tell you, it was a bit unnerving to see armed police in what is usually a quiet road.”

Another neighbour said marked and unmarked police cars attended the scene.

He added: “One elderly woman was leaving her house nearby when officers told her to get back inside.”

By midday, a patrol car with two uniformed officers remained at the address, while other officers carried out a forensic examination of a nearby house.

A Dorset Police spokesman confirmed: “At 7.52am Dorset Police received a report of a domestic assault along Springdale Avenue in Broadstone.

“Due to the nature of the original report armed officers attended the area and are trying to locate the offender.

“Police have no specific information to suggest members of the public are in any danger.”

• A 25-year-old Bournemouth man has been arrested on suspicion of common assault and is helping police with their enquiries.