ARMED officers and police dogs were at a city convenience store on Wednesday night.

Police carrying guns were seen entering Loco, also known as Solitaire Stores, in Solitaire Avenue, Worcester.

Terrell Salmon, of Oldbury Road, Worcester, said: “The police officers had guns. We saw armed police vans.

“We had come back from the gym. Then we saw it. It was quite a shock to see lots of police.

“One had dogs with them. Police went inside the shop.”

Mr Salmon, a 21-year-old university student, said officers were gathered outside the building at around 10.30pm.

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: “Officers attended a property on Solitaire Avenue, Worcester, on Wednesday, February 21, to assist bailiffs in their enquiries.”

It is believed they were called to the building after an individual became aggressive towards a bailiff, who was trying to collect money.

West Mercia Police was called to the scene at 8.48pm, although officers did not arrive until 10.30pm.

Another neighbour added: “I’ve been here for about 16 years and I’ve never seen any problems in this area.”

One student claimed the store was closed at around 9pm.

The spokesman added that it took officers over an hour to reach the scene because of ‘operational demand’.

The bailiff was reportedly paid at midnight.

The owner of Solitaire Stores declined to comment.