A "naked man" sparked a large police response hours before officers made an appeal for a man wanted on recall back to prison.
Witnesses in the Cross Lane and Hughes Avenue area of Prescot reported police "all over the street" around 6.30am yesterday.
A police helicopter was also said to have been involved in the search operation.
When asked why they were there, neighbours were told by officers they were searching for a "naked man".
One neighbour posted on a local Facebook group: "Police been all over Cross Lane this morning & Hughes Avenue. Apparently been looking for a naked man".
Another resident posted: "They have been in the back gardens on Cross Lane with torches and dogs.
"Then stood outside the houses since about six this morning. All they would say was they are looking for a man that’s naked".
After making enquiries with Merseyside Police, the ECHO understand the search was in connection with a wanted man.
Yesterday, police appealed for information on the whereabouts of Kieran Gaughan, 26, who is wanted on recall to prison.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We're appealing for information to trace Kieran Gaughan, 26, from Liverpool, who is wanted on recall to prison.
"He is described as a white male, around 6ft 4in tall, with dark brown hair and brown eyes.
"Gaughan has links to Bootle and Knowsley."
Anyone who has seen Gaughan, or has information on his whereabouts, is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref. 20000717260 or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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