A man has been arrested on suspicion of carrying a fake firearm after armed police raided a block of flats following reports a gunman was on the loose.

Police were called to Woodhill Rise in Earlham just after 6.30am on Monday to reports of a man banging on a door with a firearm.

Officers were seen swarming Knowland Grove in the early morning to confront a man who was thought to be carrying a gun in the area.

The supposed gunman was reported to be brandishing it near a primary school The supposed gunman was reported to be brandishing it near a primary school (Image: Newsquest)

Neighbours described an air of confusion as they tried to figure out the cause of the chaos in a residential area just yards from a primary school.

A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm in a public place and resisting arrest.

Knowland Grove was the scene of confusion on Monday morning following reports of the gunman Knowland Grove was the scene of confusion on Monday morning following reports of the gunman (Image: Google Maps)

He was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and has subsequently been released on police bail until October 25.