A MAN has spoken of his terror at being woken by armed police surrounding his house, following an argument with his girlfriend .Sports journalist, Mark Sawyer, 48, who writes for the Angling Times, left his partner's house following a heated late-night argument last Wednesday night and returned to his home in Mill Lane, Bramford.

A MAN has spoken of his terror at being woken by armed police surrounding his house, following an argument with his girlfriend .

Sports journalist, Mark Sawyer, 48, who writes for the Angling Times, left his partner's house following a heated late-night argument last Wednesday night and returned to his home in Mill Lane, Bramford.

Less than two hours later, he was woken by a call to his mobile phone telling him police were outside his property.

He was instructed to go down to his front door, open it and place his hands in the air.

He said: “I looked outside my window and saw there were searchlights everywhere lighting up the house.

“So I opened the door and saw police officers with guns, all over my garden and behind the wall, in the road.

“It was terrifying. There was a bright light shining in my face and all I could see were guns.

“Then someone grabbed me and pulled me out of the doorway and searched me.

“After that they seemed to realise I wasn't dangerous, and came into the house for a chat.”

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said that the force's armed response unit were responding to a call, and were concerned for the welfare of a man at a house where guns were on the premises.

Mr Sawyer, who owns two licensed shotguns which he uses for hunting, said: “The guns were locked up safely in their storage box, where they always are when I am not using them.

“The police made me strip them down and hand them over, along with an air rifle I also own.

“I'm not sure why they took them and I am anxious to have them back as they are worth around £8,000.

“I have spoken to my partner since the incident and she admitted calling the police, but I don't know why she did it - I am a responsible gun owner and no danger to myself or anyone else.

“I have a lot of respect for the police, and can't criticise the way they handled the situation. I am glad they can react this way, in case they come up against someone who is dangerous.

“However I would very much like them to give me my guns back as soon as they can.”

The police spokeswoman said: “We spoke to the occupier and established there was no risk to his health.”

However she added the police were keeping the guns, 12 and 20 gauge Beretta shotguns, for the time being until the investigation is fully concluded.

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