ARMED police rushed to Bournemouth town centre following reports of two people with a machete and a firearm.

Police received reports that a man had been threatened by two men aged in their late teens or early 20s in the area of Westover Road and Old Christchurch Road, shortly after 6pm on Thursday.

Three teenagers were arrested, however, following further police enquiries, they were later de-arrested.

A police spokesman said they had no involvement in the reported incident. No further arrests were made and enquiries are ongoing.

"Just after 6pm on Thursday, May 27, Dorset Police received reports that a man had been threatened by two men aged in their late teens or early 20s in the busy area of Old Christchurch Road and Westover Road in central Bournemouth," said the spokesman.

"It was reported that the two individuals were armed with a machete and a firearm.

"Officers, including firearms officers, attended the scene to carry out a search of the area to protect the public and locate the offenders.

"Three teenagers were arrested in Bournemouth gardens in connection with the incident due to a likeness to the descriptions given of the suspects.

"Soon afterwards, following further enquiries and additional information, they were de-arrested as it was established that they had no involvement in the reported incident. No further arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."

Footage of the police dealing with the incident has been circulating on social media, sparking concerns from some members of the public.

In response, Chief Superintendent Mark Callaghan, local policing commander, said he was satisfied officers acted appropriately.

Ch Supt Callaghan said: “We are aware of a video of the arrests circulating on social media. Dorset Police takes any reports of violent crimes and incidents of threats involving knives, firearms and other weapons very seriously.

“We will and the public would expect us to act upon any such incidents.

"We have a duty to protect the public, and to prevent and detect crime.

"The public can expect a proportionate and robust response, including the attendance of armed officers and dog units, to such reports.

"Whilst I understand this can sometimes look excessive, we respond to incidents based on the threat posed, which is not always known to members of the public who are nearby.

“I am satisfied our officers acted appropriately and in accordance with their training and handled the arrest in a calm and professional manner. Whilst small in number, we have over recent months seen incidents of knife carrying and some serious assaults within our communities, some of those have involved teenage offenders.

"We will not tolerate such violence or the threat of violence on our streets.”