ALTON police station closed its doors for the last time on Tuesday following a May Day bank holiday weekend in which a man, reported to have been brandishing an axe on Alton High Street, was arrested “on suspicion of making threats to kill”.

At around 4pm on Sunday afternoon, police were called to the High Street after receiving reports of a man with an axe.

Officers later searched a property on Winstreet Close, off Chawton Park Road, Alton, in relation to the incident (pictured). Eye-witnesses said the operation involved armed police officers and a helicopter.

A 32-year old man from Denmead was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill, and has been released from custody but remains under investigation.

The incident has served to strengthen concerns over the closure of the town’s police station on Drayman’s Way.

However, Hampshire Police has confirmed that the neighbourhood, patrol and response teams will still operate from within the town, having moved to Hatch House, on Mill Lane, where they will share the building with the Alton Family Centre, run by Hampshire County Council’s Social Services.

To contact the police in an emergency, call 999. For non-emergencies, call 101. Or e-mail [email protected].