A MANHUNT is continuing after two men were seeing carrying a knife and a handgun whilst arguing in a Padiham street.

Armed police and police dogs were sent to the incident which happened in Peel Street at around 7.30pm on Monday.

When police searched a house in the street they found a knife and an airgun was found discarded nearby.

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A 57-year-old man from Padiham was arrested on suspicion of affray at the scene and has been released on police bail until December 29. Police are still hunting a second man who managed to evade police at the scene.

A police spokesman said officers were initially called to the street by neighbours to reports two men were having a 'verbal altercation', with one carrying a knife and one carrying something which looked like a handgun.

Police cordoned off the the property and one of the men surrendered to officers. One man then exited the house and handed himself over to officers.

Officers are now working to identify the second man involved in the incident and have asked anyone with information to come forward.

He is described as white, aged in his early 30s, around 6ft tall, of skinny build with dark hair. He had been seen entering the property in Peel Street but was not inside when police carried out a search.

Detective Constable Andrew Maden, of Burnley CID, said: “This incident took place on a residential street and we believe somebody may have seen something which could help with our enquiries.

“Maybe you saw the males in the moments prior to the argument, or you saw the argument itself. If you have any information we would urge you to get in touch.

“We would also like to reassure the public that we are treating this as an isolated incident. It is simply an argument which has got out of hand and we don’t believe there is any wider threat to the public. However we have stepped up patrols in the area while we conduct our enquiries.”

Anybody with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log number 1188 of September 26th.