Armed police swarmed a popular Isle of Wight seafront this afternoon (Thursday, September 19) following reports of a 'man with a gun'.

Hampshire and IW Constabulary were called shortly after 3.15pm to a report of a man with what appeared to be a firearm or imitation firearm.

The man was said to have been in and around the Sandown Esplanade area.

Multiple police teams were quickly at the scene, with armed officers spreading out across the seafront to conduct a search between the Esplanade and Dinosaur Isle.

Officers could be seen positioned between Dinosaur Isle and Browns GolfOfficers could be seen positioned between Dinosaur Isle and Browns Golf (Image: IWCP) Police officers spoke to several witnesses in the area, but no firearm or imitation firearm could be found.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Anyone with further information should call 101 quoting reference 44240403141."

Armed officers have since left the area.