POLICE were called to the scene of a man armed with a knife earlier today.

Officers confirmed that they were called to Redearth Road in Darwen this afternoon to reports of a "disturbance."

They say that someone was seen with a blade on the street but that this has now been dealt with and members of the public are not currently at risk.

A police spokesperson said: "There was initially a disturbance that officers were dealing with but there is not any threat to members of the public now.

"The incident has now concluded and enquiries are ongoing."

They also confirmed that speculation on social media that a gun had been seen were false as was speculation about a potential hostage situation.