Police say that three people were arrested in an armed raid in Hurdsfield - but all later released without charge.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence after police forced their way into a house on Garden Street on Monday just after 10am.

They have now all been released without charge.

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

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.

“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 round the back. They were everywhere.

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

A police spokesman said: “Police responded to a report of a disturbance at an address on Garden Street. Armed officers attended and a cordon was put in place as a precautionary measure.

“This is believed to have been an isolated incident.”