A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of an attempted robbery in Darwen. 

The incident happened at 4.30am at the petrol station on Blackburn Road and searches were carried out in the Sunnyhurst Woods area.

Blackburn with Darwen Police posted about the incident on their Facebook page saying they were looking for suspects and a large number of police were in the area.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "You may have seen a significant number of police in Darwen this morning, in particular around the Sunnyhurst Woods area, including the police helicopter, dog patrols and armed response vehicles."

It was in response to a report of an attempted robbery at a petrol station on Blackburn Road and an assault on a taxi driver which happened at around 4.30am.

They later posted that 'a man has been arrested. Many thanks once again for all your co-operation, support and understanding.'

Eyewitnesses said they saw the Shell Garage was taped off with six cars surrounding it.

One resident, who lives on the Meadows, said: "I heard the helicopter at about 5am and must have been there for about an hour."