Police have released more details about an incident in Strand Street Douglas, in which armed officers were deployed - and say they will be taking no further action over it.

The incident took place on Thursday (April 1) when an email was sent to a local business from a man who threatened to harm people in the Strand Street area.

Police were called and the matter was treated as a real and credible threat. Specialist firearms officers were deployed to the area.

Later it turned out that the author of the threat was off-island and the incident was de-escalated.

threat

Superintendent Stephen Maddocks said: ’We responded to a threat that was made to the general public and took a precautionary measure until we could establish further information.

’Once we established the threat had come from off the island we stood down our armed officers down.

’It is not usual to see armed police in our community and while we live on a safe island, we still need to ensure we can protect our community from any threats.’

Superintendent Maddocks said the matter has been investigated and officers in the island have liaised with the local police in the area where the man lives.

’He is known to them and is thought to be suffering with mental health issues,’ he said.

’Following our inquiries we are taking no further action at this time based on all the circumstances in this particular case,’ he added.

’Can I thank the public in the area and the local shops and businesses that were inconvenienced that morning for their help and understanding.’

Police are not disclosing what business the email was sent to or where the man who sent it lives.