Published: Tuesday, 24th March, 2009 10:30am

Armed police swoop on flat

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Terrified pedestrians in Johnstone were ordered to stay behind police lines as cops with guns raided a tenement close.

Armed police swooped on the High Street last Friday afternoon ordering everyone to stay well back as they rushed into the building next to Henderson"s Flower shop.

Dozens of onlookers watched the drama as shopkeepers were told not to leave their premises.

One mum, who was at the nearby Globe Bingo when the action unfolded, said: 'We were all in shock.

'Police cars skidded to a halt and we all went outside to see what was going on.

'There were about a dozen police, some in plain clothes and armed and they were preventing people from walking up the High Street.

'I could see two people taken outside and forced to lie on the ground face down. They were also handcuffed.

'They were then huckled into police vehicles and driven away.

'Then a little later on another person came out of the close wearing a white jump suit with the hood up.'

The drama took placejust after 1pm on March 13 when unmarked and squad cars blocked off the busy main thoroughfare.

Vehicles were prevented from a section of the High Street having to turn right at Thorn Primary school.

Forensic officers in blue boiler suits scoured the area for clues before leaving and the street was reopened just after 2pm.

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said: 'We can confirm that a 33-year-old man has been arrested in the Johnstone area and is presently detained in police custody in connection with offences.

'This arrest follows a lengthy police operation conducted at various addresses in the Strathclyde Force area.

'Members of the public should be reassured that throughout the entire operation, public safety was our number one priority and all individuals concerned were fully briefed and advice given.

'Enquiries are continuing and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.'

Cops also raided another property on Craigdonald Place in Johnstone, and were seen to take away a vehicle on a transporter. Police would only say it was part of an 'on-going operation in the Johnstone area.'