PISTOLS, ammunition and weapon-making equipment were seized by police who raided a Blackburn flat after a man threatened youths with a gun.

It is understood the man was angered by a young gang standing near his car in Fosse Close, Blackburn, at 7.30 last night.

He apparently punched one of them before returning to his home and emerging with a pistol which he cocked and pointed at the teenagers.

The youths fled and called the police.

Armed police went to the flat and arrested a 38-year-old man who is described as having "an engineering background."

A search of the flat discovered two replica pistols, several handguns, a large quantity of gun components and more than 100 rounds of blank and live ammunition.

They also discovered a lathe which could have been used for making weapons. Police experts are examining the weapons and ammunition.

Inspector Stephen Haworth, of Blackburn police, said: "We have seized a substantial number of weapons that would not have been kept for any legitimate purpose." The man has lived on his his own in the upstairs flat for around two years and has a reputation on the estate of being a loner.

Insp Haworth added: "It is a matter of grave concern. At this stage we don't know what the purpose of these weapons is or where they have come from."

A neighbour said: "I have known this man for several years. He is very quiet who keeps himself to himself and doesn't bother anyone.

"The first anyone knew about a raid was when all the police cars turned up. There must have been about four or five cars parked outside the flats."

A man was due to be questioned by Blackburn detectives today.

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