Three are held over report of knifemen

Three people were arrested after police were called to reports of two armed men in Whitchurch.

A dozen police officers, a force helicopter and a police dog were sent to the town following reports of two men carrying "bladed items" in the Green End area yesterday evening.

Three men, all in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

They remained in custody this morning and were due to be interviewed today.

Maria Hawkaluk, West Mercia Police spokeswoman, said: "Police received a report just after 8pm yesterday that two men had been seen in the Green End area with what appeared to be bladed items.

"Officers attended, including the force helicopter and a police dog, and carried out an extensive search of the area.

"Three men in their 20s were arrested a short time later on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

"Two were arrested in the Bridgewater Street area and the third in the Sharps Drive area."

She said about 12 officers would have been at the scene, as well as two in the police helicopter, and they carried out a search of the area before arresting the three men.

Miss Hawkaluk appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact police on 0300 333 3000.