RESIDENTS spoke of their shock after armed police swooped on a Dewsbury flat.

Armed police, backed by dogs and the force helicopter, closed an estate road and told residents to stay in their homes.

The drama happened about 8.30am yesterdayjust as parents and children were making their way to school.

Police closed Smallwood Road, Shaw Cross, for about 45 minutes, meaning many youngsters were late for school.

Residents looked on as police arrested four men, forcing at least two of them to the ground at gunpoint.

No shots were fired but residents reported hearing loud bangs, believed to be one suspect furiously kicking out in the back of a police van.

The swoop in Shaw Cross was linked to the arrest of a 27-year-old man in Beckett Crescent, Dewsbury Moor, at 2.30am that morning.

Police were called there after reports of a man brandishing a Samurai sword.

No sword was found but the area was searched and what is believed to be a firearm was found in a garden.

Residents in Shaw Cross were left shocked.

A mum, who lives near the flats, told how her four-year-old daughter opened the front door as they were about to set off to Shaw Cross Infants School.

“A policeman shouted at her: ‘Get back in the house now’. She was really terrified,” said the mum.

“There were no sirens and we didn’t hear them arrive.

“There must have been 10 or 11 police vehicles. The officers all had guns and one had a Taser.

“They sent a robot inside and we saw a dog come out with something in its mouth.”

Lee Tracey, 54, who also lives nearby, said: “There were armed police, the helicopter and dogs.

“They closed the road and kids were late for school. We want to know what happened because it’s scary.”

Some residents heard what they thought were gunshots but another man who saw what happened said: “They had these guys in the back of the police van.

“One of them was kicking out, banging the walls of the van. As the van was reversing down the road it was rocking.”

Another man said: “It was like a scene on TV.”

Det Insp Andy Parr, of Kirklees CID, said five men had been arrested and inquiries were on-going.

Anyone with information should contact Dewsbury CID on 101.