A LARGE scale police operation was launched in Hoylake this afternoon after a man was reportedly spotted carrying a "large knife".

The police helicopter was seen hovering over the Manor Road and Elm Grove area for around an hour, with a number of police cars also spotted.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "At about 3.55pm a report was received that a member of the public had seen a male carrying a large knife on Market Street.

"Patrols attended and, with the assistance of air support, a search of the area was conducted which proved negative.

"No other reports were received. Enquiries are on-going in relation to the report."