POLICE have now arrested a total of seven people in Grange after being called to "violent altercation" involving an axe at a flat above an Indian Restaurant.

It is believed that the incident relates to an "eviction dispute."

An initial report came in to police about someone trying to gain access to a property in Main Street with an at 10.10am.

In a statement Supt Rob O'Connor said "The initial reports suggested that an axe was allegedly being used to gain entry to a building, and therefore as a contingency with a view to protecting the persons within the premises, members of the public and the attending Police Officers, some of those officers were armed.

"The deployment of armed officers is strictly controlled and only on the authority of a senior officer, and given the circumstances that is why it was deemed necessary to deploy armed officers.

"No persons were injured, and seven people have been arrested in relation to allegations of public order offences and attempts to gain entry to the premises.

"I want to reassure the public that this was spontaneous incident, and is not connected in any way to any other ongoing operations, and the wider public were not at risk in any way.

The road was closed between the Clock Tower and Victoria Hall but police say there is not believed to have been any risk to the public.

Witnesses reported seeing a heavy police presence including around six armed police officers and police dogs, within the cordoned-off section of the road.

One eye-witness at the scene said as the incident unfolded: "The main street is blocked off. Police are in the middle of the road."

Police have confirmed six people have so far been detained.

An eyewitness who works in the building which houses Grange Town Council said: "It's happening right in front of us. All we know is that there seem to be police outside the Indian restaurant (Aroma) and there's a big van parked outside.

"The area is cordoned off. They have been asking for people to come outside with their arms up."

A police spokeswoman said: "The incident below has now concluded and police are investigating the circumstances.

"It appears that violence has been used to gain entry to a property, in relation to an eviction dispute.

"Six people have been arrested on suspicion of affray.

"No injuries have been reported."

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron paid tribute to the efforts of the Cumbria Police force.

He said:

“Incidents like this are a reminder that in times of danger our police step forward and put themselves in harm’s way in order to keep our communities safe. We are all immensely grateful to them.

“Local residents will have been concerned and frightened to see this incident unfold but it is always reassuring to know that our police force is there to keep us safe and deal with these issues.

“This is a reminder of the need to ensure that our police are properly resourced so that they can react to events like this and keep us safe.”

Anyone who witnessed the first alleged attempts to gain access to the building are urged to contact Cumbria Police on 101.