A busy road in Kirkdale was closed off for several hours this morning after armed officers surrounded a property - but the man they were concerned about had left the house before they got there.
The armed response unit was called to Westminster Road at around 10am following information a man was allegedly in possession of a weapon and making threats.
A negotiator was brought to the scene and traffic was diverted around the scene as the "standoff" continued.
The front door frame was removed and officers could be seen going in and out of the terraced property, which it is believed was divided into flats.
Tom Woolley, who was one of several working on a nearby housing development, was forced to down tools after police told them to clear the area.
He said: "When police turned up, they had guns up, shields out, and a battering ram.
"They told us we needed to get off the site as soon as because you could be in the line of fire."
The containment remained in place until shortly before 2pm when it was suddenly stood down.
A police spokesperson said: "It is believed a male exited the premises prior to the arrival of police officers. At this time there have been no arrests and enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.
"There have been no reports of anyone being injured and all roads have now reopened.
"We would like to thank members of the public for their patience while the matter was dealt with."
