A man reported to have been approaching members of the public while carrying an item resembling a firearm sparked a major police response in Ryde last night (Tuesday).
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary received a report at 21:13 that, between 20:58 and 21:13, a member of the public had witnessed a man acting suspiciously in the area of West Street.
The caller reported seeing the man approaching members of the public while holding an item described as resembling a firearm.
Local officers searched the area, assisted by the National Police Air Service helicopter, which circled overhead for a time.
However, Police were unable to locate either the man or the group he had reportedly approached.
Officers also carried out door-to-door enquiries in the West Street area late into the evening, asking residents if they had captured any relevant doorbell camera footage.
Police say officers spoke to members of the public who were in the area at the time, but no similar reports were received.
The Neighbourhood Policing Team will now be carrying out additional patrols in the area, with anyone who has concerns encouraged to speak with an officer.
Anyone with information that may assist enquiries is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident 44260337024.
