Up to seven police cars were spotted at Ipswich’s Old Cattle Market bus station this afternoon following reports of a man with an axe.

Officers rushed to the scene shortly before 12pm today.

Witnesses reported seeing several police cars and vans heading towards the bus station.

Later officers were reportedly seen pinning a man to the floor.

Police sent multiple vehicles to the scene after receiving reports that a man had taken an axe from a shop.

One woman, who wants to remain anonymous, was in the nearby Coachman’s Court area when she saw police cars arrive.

She said: “I saw lots of police cars come round the corner and go to the front of the bus station.

“I made sure my little one was safe and went round to have a look, there were a lot of police and they got here very quickly.

“They got the man and pinned him to the floor, that was all I really saw.

“I have lived in this are all my life but it is not a very nice place to be anymore, it has definitely got a lot worse.”

Other witnesses reported seeing someone being handcuffed, adding that the situation diffused quickly after police left the scene.

The woman, who said she was concerned by the reports, added: “I wouldn’t let my child play on the streets round here anymore.”

Detectives investigating what happened have arrested a man in connection with the incident.

He was taken to the Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Witnesses to the incident and anyone with information is encouraged to call Suffolk police on 101.

Or, pass on information anonymously to 0800 555 111.