If you were in Poole High Street at around 2.20pm on Thursday 28 January, you may have seen a man waving a claw hammer – if so the police would like to speak to you.

No one was injured during the incident.

Officers attended and carried out a search of the area. A 37-year-old man from Ferndown was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Police Constable Sophie Flood, of Poole police, said: “I understand there were a number of people in the area at the time who witnessed the incident and I would urge them to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210017541. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.