ARMED police rushed to Verwood yesterday evening after a boy said he'd been chased by teenagers with guns.

Officers were called to Bingham Drive at 4.25pm after the report was made. Residents reported seeing police with guns near Morrisons and Tesco Express.

However, a spokesperson for Dorset Police said the team quickly ascertained that the allegation was "not as originally stated".

"Police received a report of a boy being chased by a group of teenagers, two of whom were allegedly in possession of guns, in the area of Bingham Drive," the spokesperson said.

"Officers, including armed officers, attended and a search of the area was carried out.

"It was subsequently established that the allegation was not as originally stated and the boy had just seen one person with a catapult but they had not made any threats or chased him.

"There was no evidence of any guns being seen.

"No further police action was required.

"Local officers will be carrying out patrols in the area today to reassure members of the public who witnessed the police presence."