Armed police called to Broughton Astley after a man was reported to be brandishing a gun

Armed police were called to Broughton Astley early today (Thursday) after a man was reported to be brandishing a gun outside a house.

The regional police helicopter is also thought to have been scrambed to the town as the firearms drama erupted just before 5am.

Police dashed to a house in Windsor Way, Broughton Astley, after the alarm was raised.

The suspect had fled the estate by the time officers turned up.

“In the interest of public and police safety, firearms officers were deployed to the scene but the man had already left,” said Leicestershire Police.

Police immediately carried out an exhaustive search of the entire area.

And the man believed to be at the centre of the incident was tracked down and detained.

A man aged 35 was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and making threats to kill.

A Leicestershire Police spokesman said the suspect is now in custody as he is quizzed about the incident and a full investigation has been launched.