Armed police swooped on a university campus this afternoon after it was reported a man could be wearing a suicide vest - which turned out to be fitness wear.

Police were called shortly after 2.30pm regarding a security alert relating to a man seen in the area of the Boundary roundabout, near to Bournemouth University.

An initial report suggested the man could be wearing something that resembled a suicide vest.  As a precaution, the university was placed on lockdown as searches of the area were carried out.

The university's Talbot Campus was placed on lockdown, while armed police swooped and the police helicopter circled above.

Police attended the university and reviewed CCTV footage before it was established that it was believed to be someone running in a fitness vest.

The lockdown has been lifted and police report there is no further cause for concern or threat to public.

A spokesman for Dorset Police added: "The report was made to Dorset Police in good faith and as the public would expect, we have an obligation to follow up these reports to ensure the safety of members of the local community."