AN investigation into a suspected shotgun incident, which prompted a four-hour siege in Burnley, has been dropped, police said.

Armed police surrounded a home in Ivory Street, Ightenhill, on March 3, after several neighbours reported hearing a gunshot, shortly before 7am.

Officers and sniffer dogs surrounded the mid-terraced home and five men were led out of the property, arrested, and questioned regarding firearms offences.

But after a month-long probe, detectives from Burnley CID have confirmed no charges will follow from the matter.

The five, a 48-year-old from Ivory Street, two men aged 21 and 16 from the Brierfield area and a 24-year-old and 21-year-old, who had been on police bail, have now been released without charge.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “After a thorough investigation into the incident we are satisfied that no criminal offences has been committed.

“But we are thankful to the local community for coming forward and providing us with information, which was immediately acted upon.”

Several calls were made to the constabulary regarding the property and a police roadblock was also enforced around the area.

Forensic officers were also called in to conduct a fingertip search of the premises, which are close to the Tim Bobbin pub, and a police guard remained on the door overnight.