Armed police swarmed a house where a "grenade" was later found.
Officers were called at 10.57am on Sunday, February 6 to Lacey Street in Widnes following reports of a concern for the safety of a man.
Police, supported by armed officers, scrambled to the scene and spoke to the man.
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He was later arrested on suspicion of a weapon and following a search of the house, officers found what was believed to be a grenade.
One resident told the ECHO they were told "not to go outside" and saw a bomb disposal unit service car show up with "two members".
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said EOD unit was called and it was confirmed the "grenade" was chemically inactive.
It was removed from the address to be destroyed, police said.
The man has since been released without charge.
Photos of the scene show several police cars surrounding the house and a number of armed police with guns drawn.
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: "Officers were called at 10.57am on Sunday, February 6 to Lacey Street, Widnes following reports of a concern for the safety of a man.
"Police, supported by armed officers, swiftly attended the scene and spoke to the man.
"He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of a weapon.
"Following a search of the address officers also discovered what was believed to be an grenade was found.
"EOD attended the site, confirmed it was inert and removed the device from the address to be destroyed.
"The man has since been released without charge."
