ARMED police swooped on a property in Newton Abbot last night (November 29) after a man made threats to harm himself.

They were called to Prospect Terrace just before 6.30pm amid concerns for the man’s welfare.

A search of the area – which included the police helicopter using night vision gear – ended in nearby Coach Road with the arrest of a 36-year-old man.

A similar escapade was unfolding at the same time in Bovey Tracey where a 34-year-old man had made threats to harm himself –­ two 999 shouts which stretched police resources to the limit.

One witness of the Newton Abbot drama was Sharon Avery who lives in the East Street area,said: ‘We were driving back from a BMX Club meeting after 8.30pm when we saw the whole area was lit up with flashing blue lights. There must have been at least half-a-dozen police cars at the bottom of Coach Road.

‘The kids in the car shouted out that they could see the police with guns. I started to think I was on the wrong continent.’

Sharon, who works for the Mid-Devon Advertiser’s admin department, added: ‘Then I saw a man up against a wall who was bleeding from the head.

‘There were a couple of policemen around him. It was all a bit shocking.’

A police spokesman said officers were alerted at 6.20pm about concerns for the welfare of an identified individual.

The spokesman added: ‘The man was was also making threats to harm. Police firearms officers with support from the force helicopter attended and local searches took place.

‘A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and theft. He was taken to Torbay Hospital with a minor head injury, and has since been released from hospital. He remains in police custody.’