ARMED police shut down a York street when a man allegedly threatened two passers-by with a crossbow.

Officers clad in black with automatic rifles were called to Tuke Avenue, in Tang Hall, at 7.30pm on Saturday and launched a manhunt.

A property was searched and crossbows and related weaponry were seized by officers, but the man had already left the scene, a North Yorkshire police spokesman said.

 

York Press:

 

Armed police received a tip off at 1.40am on Sunday that the suspect was in another property in Tuke Avenue and a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray along with a 50-year-old man on suspicion of obstructing the police.

 

 

More crossbows were seized in the second property and police were stood down at 2.20am, said the spokesman. Nobody was injured during the incident.

Both men have been bailed by police.

Neighbours on Tuke Avenue spoke of their shock after witnessing the dramatic events unfold.

Mum-of-three Helen Young was playing with her children in the garden when the police arrived.

"Police cars turned up and police officers went down the alleyway next to my house and told us to get inside," she said.

"I've got young kids so they were panicking and very scared. I looked out the window and there was a lot of police here with their guns pointing at the house.

"They were shouting his name and saying 'come out with your hands up'."

Another neighbour, who declined to be named, added: "It was terrifying to see them outside my house.
"They told me to get inside my house and lock the doors and I just thought 'Oh my God'.
"It was very frightening and I just stayed inside because my granddaughter was here.
"You're used to seeing armed police in airports but seeing them outside your house is scary."

Grandfather Steve Bainbridge, 63, was at home celebrating his granddaughter's birthday when police swooped on the street.
He said: "I went outside and there was police and people everywhere.
"The bottom of the street was completely blocked and we just let them get on with it."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Quote reference number NYP-20062015-0471.