A POLICE helicopter was launched as part of a search for a man with a firearm.

Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed the operation was launched on Thursday afternoon after reports of a man with a possible firearm in Totton.

It was sparked by calls from members of the public at about 4.30pm, and the helicopter was seen over the town and the neighbouring Lower Test nature reserve.

Officers later arrested a 23-year-old man from Totton in connection with the reports and seized a weapon.

However a spokesman confirmed that officers are continuing to search the area in relation to the investigation.

Yesterday a helicopter from Bournemouth National Police Air Service with one pilot and two specially trained tactical flight officers took off at 8.59am, and was in the air for 30 minutes.