FOUR teenagers were arrested on suspicion of having a gun after allegations a confrontation with a man was followed by a car being driven "erratically" through St Helens communities yesterday.

Police were called after the driver of a white Nissan X Trail reported he had an altercation in Thatto Heath with a group of young men, believed to be in a white Nissan Note.

The Note left the scene and both cars are then believed to been driven through Portico in the direction of Whiston Hospital before passing along Two Butt Lane and then through Rainhill.

The Nissan Note was last seen near Rainhill Road, where police spoke to the 45-year-old driver of the X Trail.

Shortly afterwards four males aged 14, 16, 18 and 19 from St Helens were arrested on suspicion of affray possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

They were taken to police stations on Merseyside for questioning were later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Today detectives appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Detective Inspector Martin Earl, St Helens CID, said: "Our enquiries are still at an early stage and we are trying to establish the full circumstances of this incident, although at this time we believe the driver of the X Trail knew at least one of the offenders in the white Nissan Note.

"Both cars covered a significant distance between around 1.45pm and 2pm and we believe the Nissan Note, in particular, was being driven in an erratic manner.

"Many of the roads the cars were driven along are in busy residential areas and I am convinced a large number of people will have seen both cars around the time of the incident.

"I would appeal to anyone who saw either vehicle yesterday, or has any information which could help with our enquiries, to call St Helens CID on 0151 777 6811 or via 101, quoting reference 0514131611.

"People can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."