ARMED police were called to park after reports of man walking around with a 'possible air rifle'.

Officers were called just after 6pm on Friday, March 20 to reports of an incident in Willow Park, Newton-le-Willows.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: “A call came in just after 6pm. Someone reported a man described as having a possible air rifle in Willow Park, Church Street, Newton-le-Willows.

“Armed officers did attend. They checked the park but there was no sign of damage or discharge.

"A male was stop checked nearby but no further action was taken.

“The incident was later stood down as a firearms incident.”