Heavily armed police officers swarmed an area of Birmingham city centre on Wednesday 23 July afternoon.

Officers from West Midlands Police were seen running from building to building in the Deritend area of the city, following a police dog before surrounding a vehicle bodyworks business.

The specialist firearm officers held back for several minutes before a team went in and searched the premises on Barford Street, less than half a mile from China Town and the city centre.

Cops then forced their way through a inner wall to gain access to the upper part of the building before later leaving without a suspect.

Members of the public were told to 'move away' by the armed police as further police raced to the incident to place a cordon around the area.

NOTE TO EDITORS: West Midlands Police have been contacted for a statement and have yet to respond. - Will update upon receipt.