Seven teenagers were arrested on suspicion of affray after armed police were called to Biddulph last night (Tuesday).

Officers were spotted in several areas of the town at around 6pm, including Highfields Road East and St John's Road, and a police helicopter was seen circling above.

Following the incident, a dispersal order was placed on the town for 48 hours and an investigation has been launched.

Police said they were responding to reports of people with bladed weapons, and appealed for witnesses, particularly those who may have seen an incident taking place on Charles Street or Well Street.

Those who were arrested were aged between 15 and 18 and from the Staffordshire Moorlands, Newcastle and Stoke-on-Trent, and remain in custody at this time.

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "There is no wider threat to public safety and a dispersal order has been authorised for the town for the next 48 hours.

"Enquiries are ongoing.

"Officers are appealing for anyone who might have seen anything in the area of Charles Street and Well Street to come forward.

"Anyone with any information should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident number 575 of 15th September, call 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

A Moorlands police spokesperson added: "Tonight we've responded to reports and arrested seven people with regards to public order offences in Biddulph.

"All offenders are currently in custody as we continue our investigation. Following this, we've also had a dispersal order authorised for the next 48 hours in Biddulph."

While a member of Staffordshire Police's Armed Response Team said: "Staffs Police ARV have recently concluded a firearms operation in the Biddulph area.

"With the assistance of National Police Air Service seven persons have been arrested after we received reports of persons fighting with weapons.

"There is no wider threat to public safety and enquiries are ongoing."