ARMED police rushed to Bridgwater town centre upon receiving a report of a man carrying a suspected firearm last week.

On Monday, May 20, a man was seen on Carvers Road and reported to police at around 12pm.

Officers soon arrested the suspect, although it soon became obvious that he did not pose a threat to public safety, as the suspected firearm was found to actually be a lighter.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said the man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of carrying an imitation firearm.

"We were called at around 12pm on Monday, May 20, following a report of a man carrying a suspected firearm in Carvers Road, in Bridgwater," the spokesperson said.

"Armed officers were deployed and arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of carrying an imitation firearm in a public place.

"The item was found to be a lighter and officers had no other concerns.

"The man was given a conditional caution."