ARMED POLICE swooped on a Southampton address following reports of gunshots.

According to residents of White Star Place police vehicles were called in the early hours of Monday, with officers carrying out investigations following an incident on Sunday night.

One White Star Place resident who wished to remain unnamed reported seeing a police “riot” van, a police dog unit and around ten officers who searched a park and conducted enquiries.

However, it is now thought the heavy police presence was sparked following reports of trouble makers setting off nuisance fireworks last week and over the weekend.

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wasting police time and has since been released under investigation.

The Daily Echo asked Hampshire Constabulary to provide more information on the incident but a force spokesman refused.

Pedro Suarez a resident of nearby Carpathia Drive added: “Last week I heard a loud bang and when I looked out of my window I saw smoke outside. On Monday there were five police cars and around seven officers. They were looking at cars and taking pictures. There was a forensic unit and a big van. Police vehicles were coming and going. I think someone was setting off fireworks. People can use them as weapons – I have a daughter so I worry.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: “We were called at 12.46am on 22 October and armed resources were deployed.

“A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing wasteful employment of police.

“He has been released under investigation.”

In a separate incident last month, armed police descended on a block of flats after reports of youths armed with samurai swords, knives, machetes and tasers running riot in the streets of Sholing.

Around 30 armed teens were involved in the incident near the junction of Montague Avenue and Walton Road in September.