ARMED police were deployed in Nelson town centre after a robbery involving a stolen BB gun.

The firearm was stolen from a shop in Manchester Road at around 10am on Monday.

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Aman was apprehended that afternoon in Walverden Park, which was then searched by police for other weapons.

A Lancashire police spokesman said: "Shortly after 1pm police received a report of a robbery after a man is believed to have entered the Prospect Buildings in Nelson and threatened a member of staff before stealing an iPad and a phone and making off towards the town centre.

"Armed response, immediate response and local officers attended and a 26-year-old man from the local area was arrested on suspicion of theft and robbery a short time later. He is currently in custody.

"The stolen property has since been recovered."