Three people were arrested after armed police were called to reports of a “fight” involving a group of people in Ipswich yesterday.

The police helicopter and a dog unit were also called after police received reports of the alleged brawl in Victoria Street yesterday afternoon.

Last night, a spokesman for Suffolk Constabulary said three people were arrested on suspicion of causing affray. They are set to be questioned as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

One eyewitness, who did not want to be named, said: “There were around eight to 10 policemen walking down Bramford Lane in a line. There was also a police dog.

“They were armed. They said not to worry, it was just a bit of trouble a few streets away.

“We looked and they had guns. It was pretty scary.”

The force spokesman said police received reports of the “fight or disturbance” involving a “group of people” in Victoria Street at around 4.30pm.

She said the group was “possibly fighting” and was seen moving towards the direction of nearby London Road.

Officers soon arrived at the scene but some people involved in the incident had fled, the force spokesman explained.

She said officers managed to speak to some of the people involved in the alleged fight, with the police helicopter also requested to help track the people who had left the area.

She said armed police were called in case members of the group were brandishing weapons. She also confirmed the dog unit was called.

Police had left the scene by 7pm.