POLICE are in Shropshire town after reports of a man with a gun.

Earlier today (Saturday, January 18) at around 4pm police received a report a man had been seen on the roof of Tesco Extra in Battlefield Road, Shrewsbury, with what was believed to be a firearm.

Police, including armed officers and the police helicopter, attended and a cordon has been put in place while a search of the area is carried out.

Superintendent Jim Baker said: “Due to the nature of the report we have received it is important we respond accordingly to ensure there is no risk to the wider public, and as such armed officers have been deployed and are carrying out a search of the area.

"I know this will cause some disruption to local residents and would like to thank them for their patience and understanding while we deal with this incident and ensure there is no risk to the wider public.”

9pm UPDATE: The cordon in the Battlefield Road area of Shrewsbury has now been lifted.

A search has been carried out by police on the ground, the police helicopter and a fire and rescue service drone.

It appears the call was made in good faith, but officers have been able to discount the information initially acted on.

Police have thanked local people for their patience and understanding as they carried out their searches.