Armed police were called to reports of a gunman on the rampage in Carterton, only to discover the ‘gunshots’ were actually fireworks.

The police helicopter to investigate after two separate reports of gunshots and screams.

But when officers arrived in Strathmore Close, they found a man was letting off fireworks.

West Oxfordshire area commander Colin Paine said: “The decision to send armed officers was an appropriate response to reports of gunfire.”