ARMED police sealed off parts of Skerton on this week in a massive operation that left a number of local residents shocked and shaken. Stunned onlookers watched as police wearing body armour and carrying shields raided a flat in Skerton House as a helicopter circled overhead. A young man was led away in handcuffs and has been charged with bail offences but locals claim they were left unnerved by the formidable police presence.

One elderly neighbour was confronted by armed police in full paramilitary uniform and a Skerton community leader had to pacify a number of concerned residents after the incident.

"A number of residents were certainly frightened and wondered what the hell was going on. The roads were sealed off, some of the police were carrying guns, there were two dog vans and a helicopter. They used a battering ram and were obviously determined to get whoever they were after," said Leo Rowett of the Skerton Residents' Association.

"I didn't know what was happening and all I could do was try to calm the frightened residents and tell them the police were just doing their job. Others commented that they were pleased to see something being done."

A young mother in Skerton House asked police what was happening and was told "We don't want to speak to you" and an elderly lady living next door to the flat that was raided saw the police smashing down the door.

"I thought whatever's going on," she said. "They took the young man off in handcuffs but we just tried to keep out of it."

A police spokesman confirmed that a man had been arrested as a result of a full scale police operation.

"There were some suggestions that he might be armed but it turned out that he didn't have any firearms in his possession. We went there in numbers and took necessary precautions in case. He was charged with bail offences."

a helicopter like this was used in the raid

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