POLICE sealed off a busy main road after reports that a suspected armed robber had been spotted in the area.

Armed officers closed Burnley Road, between Rawtenstall and Crawshawbooth, and diverted traffic away from the scene at 11am yesterday.

Witnesses said around nine police vehicles were positioned along the road and a police helicopter hovered overhead.

They were called after a tip-off that the suspect had been seen driving a dark-coloured BMW. He is wanted in connection with an armed robbery on a commercial premises in Bury.

Three other men have been arrested and released on bail. The raiders were armed with a handgun and a hammer, police said.

Residents were told to leave the area around the police cordon, which was in place for 40 minutes, as the man was believed to have been dangerous. Police caught the driver and seized the vehicle. He was an associate of the wanted man and was arrested.

A police spokeswoman said: “Due to the nature of the offences this man is wanted for, armed response officers were sent to the scene. A man left the address in Burnley Road, got into a car, drove it a short distance before abandoning it and attempting to make off on foot. He was caught and arrested by officers nearby. The road was closed for around 40 minutes while the vehicle was recovered by officers.”

Sgt Mark Taylor, of Rossendale Police, said: “When an offender is looking at 10 years in prison and on the run, they might act extremely. So for the safety of the public, we will send out an armed response team and cordon an area off.”

He said police did not expect him to act violently to the people of Rossendale if he is there.