Armed police block off busy A6 at Whittle-le-Woods

Officers with firearms surrounded a building on Preston Road, Whittle-le-Woods near Chorley for more than three hours.

But the incident was stood down before 4pm and the road re-opened after a search of the property found no-one inside.

Lancashire Police said they had been responding to reports of two men, possibly carrying weapons, entering an address at just after midday.

They assured locals there was "no threat to the wider public," but urged people to stay away from the area while the incident was resolved.

A spokesman said: "We were called around 12.10pm today (Monday, May 18) to reports of an incident in Preston Road, Chorley.

"It was reported two men had entered an address, possibly carrying weapons.

"Police and armed officers searched the address, however, no one was found inside.

​

"The incident has now been stood down and the road closure has been lifted.

"If you saw anything suspicious we ask that you make contact with us on 101 quoting log number 0525 of May 18."

The road closure caused major traffic disruption, with some bus services also badly affected.