Armed police called after gunman makes threats in Rotherham town centre

Officers rushed to deal with reports of a disturbance between two men in Ship Hill yesterday at about 7.15pm.

A man was arrested at the scene.

In a statement, South Yorkshire Police said they responded to “reports that a man was racially abusing another man and threatening him with a hammer.

“On attending the scene, the suspect threatened police with what was believed to be a firearm.

“A 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and possession of a firearm with intent to cause harm. He remains in police custody.

“No one was injured in the incident. The firearm was later found to be an air pistol.”