A MAN and a teenager have been arrested on suspicion of robbery after armed police swooped on a Southampton estate.

Officers sealed off part of Southampton estate on Thursday after a report of two men with weapons.

Hinkler Road was closed off as officers swamped Thornhill in the city, following calls about of two armed men.

Residents reported an armed seige taking place and say the area was "swarming with police" amid reports locally of two men with what may be guns.

Initially police said that no-one was found after an extensive search but hours later confirmed that a 22-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of robbery.

An air weapon was recovered by police and the pair are currently in custody.

 

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said an incident was ongoing at a house in Hinkler Road following a 999 call just after 2pm.

It is understood armed officers as well as uniformed police were on the scene, dealing with the incident.

A helicopter was hovering over the area and as many as 12 police cars and a police dog unit were also on the scene.

Residents and bystanders surrounded the area and police formed a road block and turned motorists away from the section of Hinkler Road near St Christopher's Church.

A witness told the Daily Echo: "I saw a helicopter and heard there was someone with a gun."

A Hampshire police officer standing outside a guarded house opposite St Christopher's Church on Hinkler Road refused to comment on the operation.

First Bus were redirecting their routes away from the area as a result of the closure, but services are now understood to have resumed as normal.

By 4pm, most police officers had left the scene, although enquiries are said to still be ongoing.

There will be a heightened police presence in the area this evening and extra patrols will take place to reassure the public.