Reports are coming in that a man armed with what appears to be a hand gun has threatened passers-by in the centre of Birkenhead.

An eye-witness who works for the Globe had the apparent weapon pointed at her and a friend.

She said: "It was absolutely terrifying.

"He pointed the gun at us, then towards traffic in Argyle Street, then towards a bus.

"He then pointed it to his own head and ran off.

"We weren't sure if the gun was real or not but it was very, very frightening and we're both in shock."

Emergency services have been informed.