POLICE swooped on several streets in a town in the search for a man wanted for criminal damage.

Residents reported seeing police in Rishton on Commercial Street, Spring Street and Edward Street from as early as 4.30am on Monday.

Photos circulated online show police cars and vans in the town.

Police have now confirmed they were called at around 3.40am that day to reports of criminal damage at a house on Bridge Street in Rishton.

Officers attended and were told that a man had attempted to gain entry to the home by kicking and forcing open one of the doors.

He then left the scene by the time police arrived.

No arrests have been made.

A police spokesman said: “We were called at around 3.40am to reports of criminal damage at a house on Bridge Street in Rishton.

“We attended and were informed that a man had attempted to gain access to an address by kicking and forcing open one of the doors.

“He then made off prior to police arrival.

“No arrests have been made as yet and our enquiries are ongoing.

“However, at this point we are treating the incident as targeted and do not believe there is any wider threat to the public.”

Officers were in the town for several hours before things quietened down towards lunchtime, with residents describing the drama unfolding during the morning.

One resident, who lives on Spring Street, said: “I’ve seen a lot of police this morning.

“It looked like they were carrying out some form of raid.”

Another resident added: “I saw police heading in the direction of Edward Street.

“There are always police about where I live.”