POLICE swooped on a Weymouth town centre street to "protect residents" after a man armed with a knife sparked an alert in the middle of the day.

The ordeal, which led to police pursuing a suspect thanks to members of the public assisting officers, happened on Wednesday in Park Street.

Residents told of their shock following the incident.

Police were called to the scene at 12.45pm.

A spokesman for Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Officers robustly protected the public in the area of Park Street, Weymouth after reports of a male with a knife.

“Our thanks to the members of public who assisted.”

Dorset Police said a man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed weapon in a public place.

Residents of Park Street and the surrounding area have raised their concerns and fears following the incident.

Jim Craig said he had been working at the time but heard what had happened later from his partner and neighbour.

The 39-year-old said: “My girlfriend told me as soon as I walked through the door that a lot of police had been around. 

“We weren’t too sure what had happened. To hear there was a man with a knife is sickening. There are lots of young families here and this shouldn’t be happening.”

Another resident of the area, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “I was just coming back from the shops and I heard a few police sirens.

“I didn’t think anything of it but when I turned on to Park Street I saw police cars at the Bath Street end.

“This isn’t a perfect area but this is scary, why was there a person with a knife? What did they want?

“I’m glad that no one was injured.”

Cllr Jason Osborne, who represents the Melcombe Regis area on the borough council, said the incident was “extremely worrying”.

He said: “Park Street is a very busy road. I am there almost every day walking my dog.

“To hear that someone had a knife, in broad daylight – I can’t believe it. Not that being at night would make it any better but it is less expected in the day.

“When something like this happens somewhere close to you and somewhere you know and can identify with, it is concerning.

“Knives are not welcome in Weymouth and anyone who sees anything suspicious or anyone with a knife or knows of anyone with a weapon should report it to the authorities as soon as possible.”

THE Melcombe Regis area, which includes the town centre and Park District, has one of the worst crime rates in Dorset and also has the highest level of recorded anti-social behaviour than any other ward in the county.

Recorded total crime in the area increased by 46 per cent between 2014 and 2016.

A strategic board made up of police, local authorities and other partners is working to improve the fortunes of the area. As well as high crime rates, the board notes Melcombe Regis also has poor housing and health factors, high unemployment and areas which need tidying up.

The ward, which includes the town’s transport hubs, the seafront and shopping streets, suffers from serious inequalities and is among the top 10 per cent of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country.

Despite the problems, residents have worked to try and improve the area and instil community pride.