A SOUTH Cumbrian town was turned into a hub of police activity when officers were drafted in to assist with a closely-guarded transport operation.

A number of residents had voiced their concerns over seeing several police vehicles and a number of officers at various locations in and around Millom earlier today (29).

Officers were spotted outside Tesco in Lancashire Road, in the park in St George's Road, Newton Street, and at the train station at around lunch time, with one resident saying the situation was "unnerving" as she did not know what was happening, and claimed she saw "a large presence of armed officers."

However, others in the town were less afraid of the large-scale police presence and quashed rumours that the officers were armed.

A staff member at the train station, who asked not be named, said the commotion had been linked to the nuclear plant Sellafield.

He said: "This happens every two to three months. A load comes through and the police guard it.

"I didn't see any armed guards but there was a dog squad and a few officers around."

Cumbria Constabulary confirmed they were in attendance in the town and that their officers had safely assisted a number of agencies with a transport operation which had not impacted any members of the public.

However, the force would not confirm the nature of the operation.

A spokeswoman said: "Cumbria Constabulary have worked with a number of partner agencies as part of a transport operation.

“The operation was completed safely with no impact on members of the public.

“Due to the security and safety procedures associated with this operation, no further information will be given.”