A POLICE helicopter was seen circling a park yesterday evening after reports "shots had been fired" - but the call out proved to be a false alarm.

Officers could be seen in Taylor Park, St Helens shortly after 6pm on Tuesday. The helicopter was also spotted above.

Police had been called to "reports shots had been fired". 

A police spokesperson added: "Officers and the National Police Air Helicopter Service were deployed to the area and thorough searches were carried out.

"It was established that the report was false but made in good faith."

If you have any information on gun crime in your area, do not hesitate to contact police. DM @MerPolCC on Twitter, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101, and in an emergency always call 999.