A resident has described the ‘terrifying’ ordeal of armed police in the town.

The Lyme Regis resident, who preferred not to be named, said they had no idea what the incident was about when armed police turned up at Pooles Court on Tuesday, February 4.

They said: “The police wouldn’t tell us anything and no one could come in or out, they were here for about two hours.

“We heard them shouting to turn around and apparently someone was arrested.

“Lyme Regis is such a nice quiet area where you can walk around at 3am if you wanted, in safety. Having armed police turn up with weapons drawn is terrifying, especially when the police don’t tell people what has happened or why there was a need for it. The lack of communication from them is shocking, they should be putting the community’s mind at ease.”

Dorset Police were called just before 1.45pm to a report that a man had been assaulted by another man, who was known to him, and held against his will at an address in Pooles Court.

Other residents reported seeing a heavy police presence in the area, with one stating that seeing police with guns was ‘very disconcerting’.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “It was reported that the man who committed the assault did not sustain any serious injuries that required medical treatment.

“A 26-year-old man from Sidmouth was arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

“Following detailed enquiries by officers, including speaking to a number of witnesses, the arrested man was subsequently released without charge and all those involved have been updated.

“Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”