FOUR people arrested after a gang tried to force their way into a Bournemouth home with machetes have been released on police bail.

One 16-year-old boy, two 17-year-old boys and a 20-year-old man were detained and questioned following an incident in Mayfair Gardens, Kinson, Bournemouth on Sunday evening.

Police inquiries are continuing into the incident, which took place at 8.19pm and led to an extensive search involving the police helicopter.

One resident told the Daily Echo: “My wife heard a noise and at first we thought some cars were being smashed up.

“When we came out to have a look we saw four people running out of Mayfair Gardens, all dressed in black.

“They didn’t seem to know where they were going and turned right at the bottom of the road before turning around and running in the other direction.”

Another added: “We could hear the police helicopter buzzing around for a long time but no one told us what was going on.

“We decided it was probably best to go inside and keep out of the way just in case.”

The 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray, one 17-year-old was detained on suspicion of aggravated burglary and possessing an offensive weapon and the remaining teenager on suspicion of affray and possessing an offensive weapon.

The 20-year-old man was detained on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

All four people are from the Leicester area.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200059005, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.