ARMED police officers descended on a Poole neighbourhood yesterday morning after reports of a man possibly in possession of gun.

Police were called to Northmead Drive in Creekmoor shortly before 9.30am.

Residents told the Daily Echo they saw a number of marked and unmarked police vehicles in the area, as well as officers carrying out patrols on foot.

It is believed no injuries were sustained.

Several police cars were seen in the car park of the Creekmoor Neighbourhood Centre, outside the parade of shops.

Some of the businesses said they had been concerned to see such a response but did not know the nature of the incident.

Dorset Police said a 17-year-old man from Poole had been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

A force spokesperson said: “We were called at 9.21am to reports of a man possibly in possession of a gun on Northmead Drive in Poole.

“Armed response officers attended and carried out a thorough search of the area.

“A 17-year-old man from Poole has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and is assisting officers with enquiries.

“There have been no reports of any injuries.”

Reports of the nature of the incident largely came as a surprise to members of the community.

Creekmoor ward councillor Judy Butt said: “It is a quiet community of residents and it is not the sort of incident that we would expect there.

“I am extremely grateful to the armed response unit and all blue light services for responding so quickly and assuring the local community that they are safe.

“It is hoped the matter can be dealt with and resolved.

“It is absolutely isolated.

“In 20 years, I have never heard of an incident of anybody reportedly with a firearm.

“So it is not as such isolated rather unheard of, but it happens in every community.

“The community do not need to be fearful because these matters can be dealt with and have been very admirably by police.

“They should consider themselves not to be at risk and they will be kept safe.”

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “It is such a nice area here.

“It is a peaceful and quiet place.

“To have something like this is very unexpected.”

However, one concerned resident said they often see police dealing with various incidents.

“There seems to be almost an undercurrent of issues of various crimes, such as anti-social behaviour,” they said.

“To hear of this incident does not come as a great shock at all to me.

“It looks like a quiet and welcoming place but police are often called out to deal with various things.”