An 71 year old man from Padiham has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm after police were called by the public.

At 12:50pm today (Thursday, May 30), Lancashire Police were called to a report of a man with a suspected gun in Wytham Street, Padiham.

Armed response officers attended and a 71-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent of causing fear or violence and affray.

He is currently in custody and an air weapon has since been recovered from the area.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "We were called to a report of a man with a suspected gun in Wytham Street, Padiham, at around 12.50pm today.

"Officers, including armed response officers attended, and a 71-year-old man from Padiham was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent of causing fear or violence and affray. He is currently in custody.

"An air weapon has since been recovered from the area.

"We appreciate that this may cause some concern but want to reassure you that this is being treated as an isolated incident, and we don’t believe there to be any threat to the wider public.

"We have an increased police presence in the area, and anyone with any concerns or information can approach our officers when they see them out and about.

"Alternatively, if you have any information that could assist our enquiries, please contact us on 101, quoting log 0551 of May 30."