REPORTS of men potentially armed with weapons saw the police plane scrambled.

Officers descended on Cuerdley near to Fiddler’s Ferry power station shortly before 9pm on Sunday, January 22, and they were assisted by the police plane in the skies above.

A number of residents reported seeing and hearing the plane in action.

It has now been confirmed that while the suspects were initially arrested on suspicion of going equipped to burgle, they have been released without charge.

It was determined after questioning that they were ‘urban explorers’ trying to access the now decommissioned power station.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: “At 8.45pm on Sunday, January 23, police were called to reports of men, possibly armed with weapons, near to Fiddlers Ferry power station.

“Local officers, supported by the police plane, attended the scene and conducted a search of the area.

“Three men were subsequently arrested nearby on suspicion of going equipped to burgle.

“Following questioning, it has been established that the men were urban explorers who were planning to visit the power station.

“All three men have since been released without charge.”