ARMED police swooped on a west Dorset village after it was alleged a man was threatened with a gun.

Police were alerted to a yard near Frampton, north of Dorchester, yesterday where a dispute had taken place.

It is understood a man who had been in dispute with another man about property rang 999 to say he had been threatened.

Officers descended on Robin’s Barn, site of agricultural, commercial and storage premises, which is off Church Lane. There is also a flat on the site where police were seen to go into.

They later emerged with evidence bags.

More than 15 police officers attended, including armed response teams backed up by local officers.

A scenes of crime vehicle was also called to the scene.

Police stressed it was a normal response for an incident of this nature.

The man who is believed to have made the allegation was seen talking to police at the top of Church Lane at the junction of the A37.

There was an articulated lorry loaded with old vehicles at the scene.

A local farm worker, who did not want to be named, said: “I couldn’t believe it, there was so many police buzzing around the place.

“I had to drive up the other way because I couldn’t get up the lane.

“It’s unusual to see so many police in Frampton.

“I hope it wasn’t anything too serious.”

Inspector Mike Darby of Dorset Police said: “We were called about 4.30pm to an incident where it was alleged a man was armed with a firearm.

“A man is helping with our inquiries.

“The man lives at the premises we attended.”

Insp Darby said officers conducted a search of the premises and seized ‘certain items’ but he would not confirm what they were.