RESIDENTS and councillors expressed shock at hearing a teenager was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm.

Police and fire crews were seen throughout the day on Monday in Moorfield Street, Barrow.

A team from Manchester Fire and Rescue Service was also called.

One neighbour said she had "never seen anything like it" on the street before.

She said: “I want to know why fire engines were there and why the fire services from Manchester were involved.

“I was concerned to hear about the incident but was mostly concerned for the child's family.”

Another neighbour said: “It is not the type of thing you hear about around here.

“You hear about issues with drugs elsewhere in town but nothing like this.”

Cllr Hayley Preston, spokesman for children and young people, said: “It was a shock to hear about this incident and the stabbing on Greengate Street happening on the same day.

“But both incidents were swiftly dealt with by police.

“It is concerning that any person would carry a firearm but particularly a young person.

“I don’t know the exact details of what type of firearm as of yet.

“But I would reassure residents that this type of incident is very rare in Barrow and is often dealt with quickly and effectively.

“It is still hugely concerning that a young person would be in possession of a firearm.

“Hopefully this remains an isolated incident because we have a great community of young people in Barrow."

Cllr Preston asked community police to give assurances that appropriate action is being taken at the next monthly residents meeting in Abbeyvale Community Centre.

She said: “Yet again our under funded police service has had to step up and take action to keep us safe.”

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: “A 16-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm after officers attended Moorfield Street in Barrow on March 11 answered bail today (March 13).

"He was subsequently released under investigation.”