Armed police raided a house and arrested three people as terrified neighbours watched from their homes.

There were dramatic scenes on Garden Street, in Hurdsfield, today when at just after 10am police vehicles pulled up on the road and armed officers stormed one of the houses.

Neighbours on the terraced street were ordered to stay in their homes as officers raided the house.

They arrested three people, a 47 year old man and two males who are under 18, on suspicion of possessing a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

One neighbour, who has lived in the road for 15 years but did not want to be named, said: “It was really scary.

“Two of the big police vehicles parked up in the street. One was right outside my house so I went to the window to see what was going on. We’re nosey round here and people were trying to see what was happening but police were telling everyone to stay inside.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. There were police in full black body armour with shields and big guns and tasers, and more officers with Alsatians ran round the back of the house.

“They were everywhere.

“Then I heard a loud bang and shouting as the police got inside the house.

“They brought the man and two lads out one by one into the street with their hands up, and made them kneel down on the floor.

“It was a complete shock. There have been a couple of raids on the street over the years, but this was terrifying. You don’t expect to see police with guns outside your house, maybe in America but not Macclesfield.”

The arrested man and youths are in custody being questioned by officers.

A spokesman said: “At approximately 10.06am today Cheshire Police were called to reports of a disturbance at an address on Garden Street, Macclesfield.

“As a result of the information received, armed officers attended the scene and a cordon was put in place as a precautionary measure whilst officers dealt with the incident.

“A 47-year-old man and two juveniles have been arrested in relation to the incident and they are currently being questioned by officers in custody.”

Call police on 101 with information.