POLICE cordoned off a Lancaster Street and called in armed officers and negotiaters after a man was seen brandishing a what was feared to be a firearm last week.

During a four hour stand-off the man threatened to "come out shooting" as terrified neighbours followed police instructions to "lay low."

The man, who is known to have a history of mental illness, eventually gave himself up and police discovered that the firearm was an imitation.

Trained police negotiators were called in to calm the man down and the street in Bowerham was cordoned off. Residents were advised to go back in their houses and lay low. The incident took place between midnight and 4am on Thursday morning.

At one stage the man was reported to be demanding a bacon sandwich.

After the incident an elderly lady on the street, who did not wish to be named, said: "He was screaming really loudly. People were out on the street but police were forceful saying 'get back inside for your own good and lay low'

"They were out there for ages, it was going on for hours and hours but I'm glad they were careful. It was very scary. I know it turned out it was only a plastic pistol but I'm just glad they were careful. If he's got mental problems I feel sorry for him and I'm just glad no-one was hurt."

One young mother, who also did not wish to be named, remembered: "It started down the bottom end of the street and moved up the top at about midnight. I have a little girl so I was quite scared. The police were ordering everyone to go back inside. Eventually I drifted off to sleep but it went on to about four in the morning."

The man has not been charged and is being looked after by mental health professionals.

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