Arrests after armed police op at derelict building

Police officers remain at the scene to carry out searches

Four people have been arrested after an armed police operation involving a police helicopter and drone units.

Avon and Somerset Police officers attended a derelict property in Taunton, Somerset, at about 19:10 BST on Thursday after receiving reports of a man making threats.

One of the reports said there was someone in possession of a firearm taking part in the incident. Police said no firearms had been found but a search of the Harp Chase building was ongoing.

Four people arrested after the incident remain in custody. They include a man and a woman, both in their mid-30s, who were arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear.

Also arrested was a man in his early 40s on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon in public and possessing a class A drug and a man in his early 20s on suspicion of possessing a bladed article in public.

Police said increased visibility patrols and CCTV and house-to-house enquiries would take place.

Insp Jonathan Eamer said he understood the incident was "concerning" for local residents and he encouraged them to speak to officers in the area.

"While there is no evidence or suggestion that a firearm was discharged, it was right that on the grounds of public safety we took this report seriously," he added.

Anybody with information or footage relating to the incident was asked to contact police.