ARMED police swooped on a Southampton neighbourhood after reports of an assault.

Officers have launched an investigation and arrested a man after they rushed to a property in Union Road shortly before 10pm on Monday.

Hampshire police said because of the information they received, it was decided to deploy armed officers.

Residents in Union Road said there were 15 police cars at the scene and they were told to stay indoors while the road was cordoned off.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “Officers were all armed.

“They got out of their cars and pointed the guns at the upstairs window and said ‘Come out’.”

He said that before officers arrived a man was seen running along Union Road, as though he was being chased, trying front doors before finding one which was unlocked.

The witness added: “After few minutes officers stormed in and 10 minutes later they came out and put a man in the van.”

A woman also in the house at the time of the incident was seen talking to police later.

The witness to the action said he saw a man holding his hand, as though it was injured, in Union Road before officers arrived.

Some residents said they heard noises similar to gunshots but a Hampshire police spokesman told the Echo that no shots were fired.

The spokesman added that residents may have heard noises as officers entered the property during the incident.

Hampshire police confirmed a 42-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and remains in custody.

Police also said a 38-year-old man from Southampton

suffered serious injuries to

his hand and was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment, while a 39-year-old woman from Southampton was also injured but did not require hospital treatment.

Residents in Union Road are now calling for action to be taken and said they would like to see more CCTV and more police officers in Northam.

Jacqui Rayment, councillor for Bevois ward, said she is sure the police would do more if they had the resources.

She added: “The Safe City partnership looks at policing issues across Southampton and CCTV is used as agreed by all. There is some CCTV coverage on Northam.”

Witnesses are urged to call 101 quoting 44180169091.