There were dramatic scenes in Bridport as armed police swooped on an address in the town centre.

Eyewitnesses have reported how they saw officers break down a door to gain entry to an address on Castle Square on Sunday evening. Dorset Police received reports of a ‘disturbance’ outside the address at about 5.30pm.

A spokesman for the force confirmed that firearms officers were in attendance, who carried out a search of the area to try and locate the people involved.

A 24-year-old local man was later arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary but has since been released without charge.

One eyewitness said she saw up to 10 armed police at the address, as well as uniformed officers.

The witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I saw all these flashing lights and then when I went to look I saw loads of police.

“There were about eight to 10 armed police and they were shouting for ages.

“They were shouting to open the door or they’d break it in. “About 20 minutes later they were shouting for them to come out with their hands on their head.

“The uniformed officers were here for ages before armed police came. After about half-an-hour, they then broke the door down.

“They were here for a while.

“It was very dramatic – the police were here for ages. I just couldn’t believe it; great big guns they had on them.

“This road is normally alright.”

Another witness, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: “We heard a commotion and had a quick look to see what was going on; there were loads of police in the street.

“They were shouting but I didn’t know what was going on.

“It’s usually quiet where we are.” The force spokesman said an investigation into the incident remains ongoing.