ARMED police swooped on a £1million Simonstone house yesterday to arrest a man on suspicion of making threats to kill.

Officers with guns and helicopter support targeted the house in Whalley Road, on the way to Padiham, at around 2pm as part of a pre-planned operation.

A 33-year-old man was arrested in relation to the threats and was being questioned last night.

Police spent several hours at the house, which is set back off the main road, and also had support from police dogs.

Around seven police vehicles attended the address as part of the operation.

A police spokesman said last night: “No members of the public were put at risk during the pre-planned operation.

“A 33-year-old man was arrested and is being detained for questioning, but has not yet been charged.”

A resident who lives nearby saw police arrive.

He said: “I noticed the helicopter hovering overhead and when I went out there were two armed police men walking up Whalley Road.

“There must have been four of five police cars parked near that house.

“You don’t expect something like that round here, it is a very nice and quiet area.”

None of the people living at the house could be contacted for comment.