ARMED police were sent out to an incident at a newly-opened facility for adults with learning disabilities as they were ‘the nearest unit to the site.’

Police were called to Jellicoe Court, in Great Binfields Lane, Lychpit, at around 4pm on Easter Sunday to reports of a man causing criminal damage.

An armed unit was sent to the the incident, but Hampshire Constabulary say this was because they were the closest unit at the time and ‘were not deployed in an armed capacity.’

An eyewitness reported seeing a man ‘trying to smash windows with a fence post.’

A 25-year-old Basingstoke man was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage, but was released without charge.

Jellicoe Court, which is operated by national charity FitzRoy, was registered with the Care Quality Commission on March 29 this year after opening in October last year.

A FitzRoy spokesperson said: “At Jellicoe Court we provide supported accommodation for people with learning disabilities. On Sunday afternoon one of our residents became distressed resulting in some damage being caused to the property. No-one was harmed.

“Our staff acted quickly to support the individual, calling the police and reassuring the other residents and neighbours, who were understandably concerned.

“The safety of the people we support, our staff and the community is always our top priority. We are working closely with Hampshire County Council and other health professionals to deliver positive outcomes for everyone living at Jellicoe Court and our local community neighbours.”

According to Hampshire County Council, whose adult social care service commissions FitzRoy to provide services at the site, Jellicoe Court has been ‘specifically designed for adults with autism and learning disabilities who have complex and high levels of need and who, in most cases, have previously been cared for in a residential care setting.’

The site is made up of 18 one-bedroom flats, each equipped with a bedroom, an open plan kitchen and lounge, and a modern bathroom.