This is why there was a large police presence on Warbreck Drive in Bispham last night

According to eye witness reports, police were "negotiating" with a man who had barricaded himself into a house on Warbreck Drive at around 9pm last night (May 18).

A large police presence was reported in area, with residents spotting armed police and ambulance crews in the vicinity.

One resident who claims they were at the scene says police were present for over two hours while they tried to coax the man out of the house, before entering the address with shields.

Police have confirmed they were called to the scene shortly after 9pm and a man was later detained under the Mental Health Act.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "It was a concern for welfare. We were called at shortly after 9pm.

"A man was later detained under the Mental Health Act."

Lancashire Police have been approached for further comment about the incident.

The Mental Health Act says when you can be detained in hospital and treated against your wishes, according to Rethink Mental Illness.

- You can be detained if professionals think your mental health puts you or others at risk, and you need to be in hospital.

- If you are detained, NHS staff may be able to give you treatment, even if you don’t want it.

- When you are detained, you have the right to appeal, and the right to get help from an independent advocate.

You can only be detained if you have a ‘mental disorder’. The Mental Health Act does not say exactly what can be classed as a ‘mental disorder’. So, when they’re using the Mental Health Act, health professionals will decide if someone’s mental health meets this definition.

You cannot be detained for drug or alcohol addiction, but you can be detained if alcohol or drugs cause mental health problems. For example, if you have delusions because of using cannabis.

To find out more about the Mental Health Act click HERE.