Flats in Skelmersdale were evacuated after a bomb disposal unit and armed police responded to reports of a man wielding a rifle. Lancashire Police were called to Beechwood Court at around 9am on Wednesday, July 29 following the sighting.
Armed officers and a police helicopter swarmed the area. The man was located and detained, and a 47-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in custody.
Air weapons seized
Police seized a number of air weapons from a property in Skelmersdale. The force said they believed the weapons to be air weapons and not viable.
Later, at around 7.15pm, officers searched an address in Birkrig, Skelmersdale, where they found a 'grenade-type' device. Neighbouring flats were evacuated as a precaution.
Device confirmed replica
The device was examined by explosive ordnance disposal teams and confirmed to be a replica. Residents who were evacuated have since been allowed to return home.
A police investigation is underway. Anyone with information or footage is urged to call 101 quoting log 0350 of 29th July.
