ARMED police laid siege to a terraced house after reports of shots being fired.

The two-hour drama was sparked after a neighbour raised the alarm after hearing shots from the house in Rupert Street, Nelson, just before 7pm last night.

Armed response vehicles were called and at least half a dozen armed officers surrounded the mid-terraced property as uniformed officers cordoned off the area and warned people to stay indoors.

Three men, all believed to be members of the same family, walked out of the house voluntarily after being contacted by the police by telephone.

Two firearms were recovered and officers carried out a fingertip search of the house.

No shots were fired by the police and no-one was injured during the incident.

Traffic in Manchester Road was disrupted as vehicles and pedestrians were kept out of the possible firing line.

Acting inspector Phil Cottam said: "At 18.55 a resident of Rupert Streetcontacted us to say he had heard what appeared to be gunshots from the house next door.

"Armed response vehicles were despatched to the vicinity near the B&Q store. Unarmed officers went to the vicinity of Rupert Street and three streets were cordoned off. The armed response vehicles were brought to the scene and contact was made with the persons in the terrace by telephone after which the men left of their own accord.

"There was a short delay while we ascertained the house was secure.

"Officers from the armed response vehicles serached the property to make sure no other persons were still inside.

"We are very happy the incident has come to a conclusion without any shots being fired or any injuries to anybody, be it officers, residents or the people inside the house.

"Three men have been detained and we will be making further inquiries."

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