Armed police swoop on quiet Lancashire street during Queen’s funeral
Two men were arrested after armed police swooped on a quiet residential street in Darwen today (Monday, September 19).
Households in Cranfield View were shocked to see officers with firearms descend on their quiet cul-de-sac at around 10am.
The dog unit was also called to the scene and the street swiftly filled up with police cars and vans as residents were told to stay indoors.
"This is scary to witness,” said Ben Smalley, who lives on the street.
"Didn't expect to see 5 police cars, a bunch of vans, and 7-8 heavily armed officers on my street when I woke up this morning!"
He and his neighbours were told to stay indoors whilst police raided a house and two men were marched out in handcuffs.
The pair were arrested on suspicion of robbery and taken away in a police van.
Police say they have been arrested in connection with a robbery at Bargain Booze just a mile away in Bolton Road, Darwen shortly after 9pm on Friday.
A police spokesman said: “We attended an address at Cranfield View, Darwen, at approximately 10am today, as part of our investigation into a robbery at Bargain Booze, Bolton Road, Darwen, on Friday, September 16.
"Two men aged 32 and 25 were arrested on suspicion of robbery and are in custody.”
Det Insp Kathryn Cussans of Blackburn Police, added: “This is an ongoing investigation and we are asking for anyone who witnessed the robbery or were in the area around the time to contact us.
“If you have CCTV or dashcam footage from the area on Friday night, please contact us.”