ARMED police were today called to woodland near Shap to deal with a man armed with a shotgun.

A Cumbria Police statement has this morning confirmed that they are dealing what they say is an "ongoing incident" near to the Hardendale Quarry, a short distance from the M6 Motorway near Shap.

The statement says: "Officers were contacted at 8pm yesterday following concern for the welfare of a man in his 60s.

"A search was conducted and the male was located at approximately 1am this morning in a woodland area near to Hardendale Quarry with a shotgun.

"An armed response is currently deployed as a precaution.

"A cordon is in place, however there is no perceived risk to the public at this time."

Trained police negotiators are at the scene in an effort to resolve the situation safely.

Members of the public are asked to stay away from the area.

The incident is not terrorist related, say police.