FOUR people have been arrested on suspicion of firearms offences.

Three people were arrested at an address in Lowergate, Clitheroe, yesterday evening.

A further arrest was made at an address in Bradshaw Street, Nelson this morning.

The arrests were part of a pre planned operation and they were carried out by armed officers.

No firearms were discharged.

The four people are currently in custody and searches at both addresses are ongoing.

Investigations are continuing but no further details can be released at this stage for operational reasons.

Police said the will release further information when they are able to.

Assistant chief constable Terry Woods said: “Officers have arrested four people on suspicion of firearms offences as part of a pre planned operation.

“While I appreciate that the presence of armed officers and the nature of the activity may have caused some concern, I would stress that the safety of both the public and our officers was paramount.

“I would also like to reassure people that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.

“Officers will remain at both addresses for some time while searches are carried out and we will have extra patrols in both areas as reassurance. If anyone has any concerns I would ask them to approach one of these officers or to call 101.”