POLICE were called out in force to a Little Hulton estate last night when a man was spotted with a shotgun.

A member of the public rang the police about the man who was seen on the Amblecote estate at about 7pm.

Two armed response vehicles were placed on standby in the area and about 20 men went to the estate supported by dogs and the police helicopter.

A police cordon was placed around the estate and a full search made.

There was no trace of the man or the weapon but Chief Inspector John Carling at Swinton police said: "We have reason to believe that there was some substance to the story.

"On every occasion when it is suggested that there are persons who may be in unlawful possession of firearms in public places the police treat the situation very seriously indeed.

"Every effort is made to ensure the absolute safety of the public.

"Members of the public should contact us whenever they see anything of a suspicious nature."

Enquiries are continuing into the incident.

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