A man arrested after a police firearms incident in Carlisle has been released without charge.

The 45-year-old man was arrested yesterday on Botcherby Avenue after armed police surrounded a house shortly before 9am.

He was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm.

But police this morning say no offences were committed and the man has been released without charge.

Superintendent Justin Bibby said: "Our job is to keep people safe and we always encourage people to report any suspicious behaviour so that we can deal with it.

"Our investigation into yesterday’s incident has concluded and no further action will be taken.

"I’d like to thank the public for their patience and ongoing support."

Botcherby Avenue was closed from about 11.20am for more than an hour while officers dealt with the incident.

Shocked neighbours, living opposite in Freshfield Court, off Botcherby Avenue, hung out of their windows to watch the drama unfold as armed officers surrounded the street.

One resident said: "It's not the kind of thing you expect to see on a Wednesday morning on Botcherby Avenue."

One man was taken away in handcuffs by police.

A woman was also handcuffed. She was later released and allowed to go back into the house at 116 Botcherby Avenue.

An armed officer is standing guard outside the address.

One man, returning to his home with his shopping, said he was a bit "scared".