POLICE swooped on an address in York Road after reports a man was threatening his neighbours with a seven-inch knife.

Armed response units, dog units and four police cars surrounded a flat in York Road, just after 6.30pm yesterday.

Police searched the flat which the man was reportedly seen running into, but found it empty.

The man is still at large.

Police spokesperson Nishan Wijeratne said: "This is a neighbour dispute which escalated into something more serious.

"We know the identity of the man making the threats and enquiries are underway to establish his whereabouts."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0300 333 4444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.