A JOHNSTONE street was brought to a standstill on Sunday afternoon when armed police raided a property.

Shocked residents looked on as officers stormed the flat in MacDowall Street at around 4.05pm following reports that an occupier had been seen hanging out the window brandishing a firearm.

After the raid, in which police arrested a 26-year-old man, officers confirmed that the weapon was in fact a BB gun.

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Local activity came to a halt when officers cordoned off the area while carrying out their operation as they surrounded the MacDowall Street property.

Specialists units attended the incident along with police dogs and handlers while neighbours were told to “stay indoors” while the terrifying ordeal unfolded.

Cops confirmed on Monday that the man had been released on an undertaking and been charged under Section 38 of the Criminal Justice Scotland Act for a breach of the peace.

The Gazette:

Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone North, said he was shocked to find out about the incident.

But he was full of praise for the decisive action taken by the police to quickly bring the ordeal to a close. 

He added: “It will reassure many people in the area that Police Scotland have taken such decisive action to deal with such a shocking saga.

“I think it is great news that they’ve taken such swift action to keep our streets safe.”

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A police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that police attended an incident in Johnstone. A man was arrested and has since been released on an undertaking.

“He is due to appear in Paisley Sheriff Court later this month on charges and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”