A man was arrested following a gun drama at a historic stately home near Cannock.

Police were called to Hatherton Hall in Parkside Lane just off the B5012 New Penkridge Road shortly after 3pm yesterday after suspicions were raised over a man who had been seen at the property.

A 36-year-old man from the Cannock area was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence after a member of staff at the property called police.

It is not clear how the man got into the grounds.

The Staffordshire Police helicopter was sent to the scene. The man arrested has since been bailed until mid-November pending further police inquiries.

Peter Chesson, chairman of Hatherton Parish Council, said he saw the helicopter hovering above the stately home. “It was in the sky for about half an hour which I thought was quite unusual,” he said.

He said it was a complete shock to hear the news that a man had been arrested.

“The hall is located in a nice, quiet area,” he said.

“It’s in a very rural area on the outskirts of Cannock and is surrounded by three of four upmarket detached houses. It’s a complete shock to hear that a man has been arrested.”

Mr Chesson, who lives in nearby Sandy Lane, Hatherton, said the grounds of the stately home contained a large lake.

Staffordshire Police spokeswoman Faye Casey said: “Police were called just after 3pm to Hatherton Hall. A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He has been bailed pending further inquiries.”

Hatherton Hall was built in 1817 and once belonged to landowners the Littleton family.

By Laura Blyth