Armed police descended on Citadel Road in Plymouth after a car suspected of having cloned plates was intercepted and seized.
The presence of armed police sparked concern amongst locals, with multiple armed response vehicles seen in the area. One 28-year-old man from Bodmin was detained at the scene.
The man, who remains under investigation, was reported for suspected driving offences - driving without insurance and without a licence.
Police believed that the vehicle was travelling on cloned plates and are carrying out further enquires regarding the vehicle.
No injuries were reported and the incident was swiftly contained. A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police told Plymouth Plus:
"It was suspected that the vehicle was travelling on cloned plates.
"The driver was detained by officers and the vehicle seized.
"A 28-year-old man from Bodmin was reported for suspected driving offences - driving without insurance and without a licence.
"Further enquiries are being made regarding the vehicle."
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