Watch dramatic moment armed police surround van

Armed police officers surrounded a van in Nelson, as residents watched on.

The incident happened on Thursday night on Barkerhouse Road at around 10.15pm.

Officers could be seen attempting to look inside the rear of the white van which appeared to have been pulled over in the middle of the road.

The section of road was cordoned by police as the search was conducted.

Footage courtesy of Nelson Lancashire

Local residents said they had seen a higher number of police officers in the area over the past week.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "We received information of a potential disturbance in Nelson.

"A car was stopped by officers in Barkerhouse Road, Nelson, at 9.50pm yesterday.

"A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving with excess drugs and has since been bailed."