TWO people have been arrested after armed police dramatically swooped on a Weymouth estate.

Residents told of their shock as police, including the armed response unit and officers with riot shields launched an operation in Littlemoor on Monday morning and targeted two properties.

After the arrests were made, police carried out a search of the two premises in Culliford Way and vehicles parked outside.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing around 10 officers entering one of the houses, some of them armed.

Three police cars and two police vans were at the scene.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "Armed response officers executed an arrest warrant at two addresses in Culliford Way, Weymouth.

“A 48-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

“A 27-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis.

“Both are currently assisting police with their enquiries.”

Bill Tyler, who lives in Canberra Road, said he became aware of the raid when a police van parked outside his house.

He said: “It's quite concerning. I have got a young child and I have got a 21-year-old as well.”

Mr Tyler said it was one of the last things he expected to hear.

He said: “It's quite disturbing to think there are people with firearms.

“There's been petty crime (in the area), nothing more than anywhere else.”

One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I'm shocked there was a gun on the same street that I live on.

“I just assumed it was a drugs raid.”

Meanwhile, another neighbour who also wished to remain anonymous said: “I didn't see anything happen. I was still in bed.

“I looked out the window and saw them there. It's a bit shocking really. I didn't really expect it. It's a quiet street.”

Cllr Rachel Rogers, who represents the Littlemoor ward for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “Incidents like these are completely out of character with Littlemoor's warm and supportive community atmosphere.

“We all need to work together to ensure that local residents are kept safe.”