POLICE launched a manhunt and closed off streets in Weymouth after a report that armed men had been seen entering a property.

The search involved armed response officers.

Police were called to Charles Street, in the Park District, at around 8.30pm on Tuesday, following a report that armed men had been seen going in to an address.

Residents reported a large police presence in the area during the search, with pictures sent to the Echo showing armed officers on the street.

People have spoken of their shock and worry over the incident.

The immediate area was cordoned off while officers, including armed response teams, carried out a detailed search of the premises and the surrounding area.

While dealing with the incident, officers discovered a quantity of cannabis.

A 23-year-old man from Weymouth has now been arrested on suspicion of controlling criminal property and possession with intent to supply cannabis and is currently assisting officers with their enquiries.

Weymouth police Inspector Pete Browning said officers were called by a member of the public who reported that men were looking for an individual at an address on the street.

He said: “There was a mention of weapons being involved. We dispatched armed officers but they had left before we arrived. We have spoken to the individual who was not at home at the time and our enquiries are continuing.”

Residents of Charles Street and Ranelagh Road, which was also cordoned off, as well as the surrounding streets have spoken of their shock at the incident.

One, Ollie Allin, said: "It was quite dramatic. The road was closed off from all exits."

He added that there was a number of armed officers on the scene.

This isn't the first time in recent months that armed police have been called to the street, with armed officers launching a manhunt in the area last summer after a man was seen carrying a machete.

Another Park District resident said: "It's scary stuff and it's very worrying, it's not good for the area really."

Another added that while they hadn't seen or heard anything their daughter had seen a large police presence in the area.

Pictures show officers patrolling the area with a video showing officers at a property on the street as they carried out the search of the area.

Officers were also seen patrolling the area yesterday (Wednesday).

Cllr Francis Drake, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council spokesman for community safety, urged people to continue reporting crime.

He said: "Obviously we don't want people with guns running around the Melcombe Regis area but it's good the general public is helping and reporting it as they are the eyes of the town, this is the only way we'll ever sort anything in this town, just the people going and working together."