A MAN was due to appear in court today after a saleswoman was allegedly held at gunpoint for an hour.

An armed response unit was called to Lindsay Street, Burnley, on Friday evening and residents were told to stay indoors.

One resident said: "We weren't told what was going on so we were all naturally quite worried as to what was going to happen."

Detective Sergeant Steve Mounsey said: "There was an incident where two men were arrested on Friday night for suspicion of possession of a firearm which turned out to be an air weapon."

Damien Drury, 24, of Lindsay Street, Burnley will appear before magistrates today on two offences of having a firearm with intent to cause aggrieved violence and possession of an offensive weapon.

The second man was released without charge.