ARMED police and the NPAS helicopter were called to Christchurch after a fight broke out at a petrol station.

Officers were called to the Shell garage in Barrack Road this morning following reports of the incident involving two men.

They then reportedly left the area in separate vehicles, with one of them in possession of a knife.

Less than half an hour later police were called to a disturbance involving one of the vehicles nearby in the Jumpers Road area. Police reported that the occupants were armed with poles.

Searches were conducted to locate the vehicles, with support from the police helicopter and one of them was found in High Street.

Police have arrested four men, who are all assisting officers with their enquiries.

Residents reported seeing a number of marked police cars travelling around the town centre around lunchtime, as well as armed officers.

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: "Dorset Police was called at 11.11am on Saturday 30 May 2020 to a report of a fight involving two men at the Shell garage on Barrack Road in Christchurch.

"It is alleged that the two men left the area in separate vehicles and one of them was in possession of a knife.

"It was further reported at around 11.35am a disturbance occurred involving one of the vehicles in the Jumpers Road area. It is alleged that the occupants of the vehicle were carrying poles.

"Officers carried out a search of the area for the vehicles involved, assisted by the NPAS helicopter. One of the vehicles was located on the High Street.

"Three men, aged 20, 21 and 69, have been arrested on suspicion of affray. A 47-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault, affray and a driving offence. They are all currently assisting officers with their enquiries."