ARMED police with guns and riot shields swooped on a Malvern flat and arrested a man suspected of making threats to kill.

Witnesses said they saw up to 30 officers in at least six vehicles arrive in Moat Crescent, some with guns and others with riot shields and body armour, then smash in a door.

A man – who neighbours said is in his 20s – was taken bleeding from the flat in handcuffs after police began the operation in the early hours of yesterday.

Armed police, unarmed officers and police negotiators arrived in the street at 1.30am, West Mercia Police have confirmed.

A 23-year-old has been charged with threats to kill, a public order offence, handling a stolen pedal cycle and breach of bail and a warrant.

He will appear before Worcester Magistrates Court today (Thursday).

Another man was arrested for a public order offence but released with a caution yesterday.

A woman who witnessed the incident but declined to be named said: “I looked out the window and there were two police officers with guns and a dog.

"They were in my neighbour’s garden. It was well scary. I’ve never seen guns before.

“I came outside at about 6.30am and there were about seven guys in body armour, some with riot shields. We heard a massive bang. That was the door being bashed in.”

The mother-of-one said the police then appeared to cluster together in a huddle as they entered the flat and the suspect was brought out at the side of the house in handcuffs.

She said: “There was blood dripping from his face. Two officers held his head down.

"There were about 20 to 30 officers – it looked like the whole police station.”

She said some people could not leave the street to go to work in the morning as police continued their investigations.

Another mum who also declined to be named said: “I woke up at about 5.15am with banging and police in the street.

"I feel it’s scary for my kids. My daughter came to me and said ‘the police are scary’.

“I’m a single mum. It’s hard being around this kind of area with this kind of thing going on.

"I want to be moved. I’m sick of it here. I was quite shaken up and my daughter is now absolutely terrified of police officers.

"You can’t stop a four-year-old looking out of the window.”

Chief inspector Ian Bailey of West Mercia Police said: “No shots were fired and the incident was safely concluded.

"Local policing teams will be in the area to reassure local residents that there is no continuing threat.”