ARMED police told residents to stay in their homes after reports of a firearms incident in Blackburn.

Dozens of officers carrying guns were called to Parklands Way, off Heys Lane, at 6.30am yesterday.

Witnesses said they saw police sat waiting undercover, before being given the go-ahead to approach a semi-detached property at around 11.15am.

The police helicopter circled above and paramedics were on standby.

A cordon was put in place around Parklands Way from its junction with Livesey Branch Road and Waterloo Close.

Police said they received a call reporting an argument between neighbours and that a man may have had access to a firearm.

Jamie Smith, who lives in Parklands Way, said residents were told to keep away from the scene for their own safety.

He said: “The police blocked off the road at both ends. We were told there was a firearm.

“Everybody was told to keep inside in case they got shot.”

Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was unable to get back to her house.

She said: “The police did not tell us anything and they would not let us go home.

“It was very worrying, especially when we saw officers with guns.”

One woman was looking after her grandson when they were told to get back in their house.

She said: “The little one was screaming. They would not let us go out.

“I saw the police cars waiting around the corner and the next thing I knew, loads of cars went up the street.

“The helicopter was out too. It is normally very quiet around here.”

Police said investigations found there was no threat and no firearm in the property.

The incident ended shortly before 1pm.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “Information was received which suggested a man may have had access to a firearm and firearms officers attended an address in Parklands Way.

“Observations were placed on the address whilst further inquiries were carried out.

“It was established that at no time was anybody directly threatened with a firearm, and nobody was injured.

“The cordon which was in place on Parklands Way was lifted and inquiries are continuing.

“On this occasion, no firearms were found or indeed are now believed to have featured in this incident.

“The deployment of officers in this manner is quite routine and we apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

“As a result of yesterday’s activity, neighbourhood policing officers have been out and about in the area to help to try and reassure local residents.

“During operations such as this, our primary concern is the both the safety of the public and our officers and we are satisfied that there is now no threat to anybody in the area.”