ARMED police swooped on a Lincoln street following reports of a man with a gun.

But, when firearms officers gained entry to the property in Moor Street, in Lincoln's West End, it was empty.

The false alarm triggered a dramatic scene, which began to unfold at about 6pm yesterday.

Crowds looked on from either end of the cordoned street while police officers with rifles stalked towards the front door.

At the scene, Ben Webb, 21, a photography student who lives nearby, said: "I was walking back to my house and just saw the police. Being a little bit nosy, I wanted to see what was going on.

"It was obvious something big was happening, with lots of police and guns."

The street, which links Carholme Road with West Parade, was blocked off by unmarked and marked police vehicles, including a dog unit.

But, as twilight fell, officers emerged without a suspect or a weapon.

Spokesman for Lincolnshire Police Tony Diggins said: "Following information received from a member of the public there was a man in possession of a gun, we applied for a warrant and it was executed, but no-one was found and no arrests were made."

Officers used several houses to move through and gain access to the back of the property.

Emma Miles, 25, who lives close by, said: "All I saw were police officers and I could hear people going in and out.

"I've got no idea what happened. I've never seen those neighbours.

"The blinds are always down and I never see anyone go in or out."

An 18-year-old girl, who did not wish to be named, said: "All I saw were police officers and two bangs. I have never seen anyone in that house."

While neighbours in the area were unsure of who may be living there, Lincoln student landlord Michael Hayes-Cowley, director of APS Properties, told the Echo he was the owner and had let it to four undergraduates.

He said: "The tenancy only started on August 8, but university courses don't start until September 20, which would explain why they were not there.

"One of the girls is working in Lincoln and I know she went on holiday, but I thought she would have been back by now.

"It must have been unoccupied."