ARMED police rushed to a Southampton address after a woman was the victim of death threats.

Officers from the Hampshire policefirearms unit were called to her home in Kesteven Way over fears for the woman’s safety.

They received an emergency call at 1.30pm on Sunday afternoon and arrived shortly after.

Police say that a 20-year-old Southampton man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is being questioned by officers.

One resident, who did not want named, said: “A car came speeding down the road in the afternoon and a man got out.

“He was holding a gun in his hand, another man wearing a gun holster then got out of a different car.

“I saw two unmarked police cars and two marked cars as well as a van. A car stayed outside the house overnight.

“It was out of the ordinary because this is a quiet neighbourhood.”

Spending almost 21 hours at the scene the police finally left at around 9.30am yesterday, according to residents.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called to Kesteven Way shortly before 1.30pm on June 30 by a woman reporting that someone had called her and threatened to harm her.

“Officers attended the address and a 20-year-old man, from Southampton, has been arrested in connection with the incident.

“He has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill. He remains in custody at this time.

Kesteven Way resident, Alan Blaky, 77, said: “I was taking the bins out when I realised that a police van was parked on the other side of the road opposite my house.

“Several police officers got out and went to the address.

“I could hear raised voices and shouting at and someone was trying to calm the situation down.

“It is a nice and peaceful neighbourhood usually.”

The residential area that leads off West End Road is also the location of Seedlings Montessori Nursery and Moorlands Primary School.