ARMED cops raced to a Paisley housing scheme early yesterday after horrified residents reported the sound of shots being fired.

Police were alerted by members of the public who claimed they heard gunfire and spotted a man fleeing for his life as he was chased by a gang.

The frightening drama took place in Dundonald Road, Gallowhill, in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Officers carrying automatic weapons were among the first at the scene and they took up positions at a block of flats where four men were last seen.

The armed cops remained there for some time until four men were escorted from the building.

All four suspects – who are aged between 19 and 43 – were taken to the police HQ in Mill Street, Paisley, where they were questioned.

However, yesterday afternoon, it was believed that none of the men had been charged and that no weapon had been found in the Dundonald Road area.

Yesterday, a 200-yard stretch of Dundonald Road, from Priory Avenue to Brewster Avenue, remained sealed off and four officers were standing guard as an investigation continued.

Residents in the area which was cordoned off had to leave their names with the officers when leaving or returning to their homes.

One woman who lives in Gallowhill told the Paisley Daily Express: “This all started not long after midnight and there were soon police all over the place.

“I could see that some of them were armed, so I knew something serious was going on.

“I didn’t hear any gunfire but a neighbour told me he heard two or three shots ring out. He said there had been loud bangs and he was convinced it was a gun being fired.”

Another woman who was at the scene yesterday added: “I’ve got kids and it’s worrying when armed police are called out to where you live.

“Someone told the police that a guy was being chased along the street by four men and that one of them had a gun.

“There was also a 4x4 car speeding along the road at the time but I don’t know if that was connected with the same thing.

“The police have been here all day and they’ve been asking people if they saw anything which might help with their investigation.”

Yesterday afternoon, Superintendent Jim Baird, who is based at Paisley Police Office, said a number of men were helping detectives with their inquiries.

He added: “We received a report about a firearm incident in Dundonald Road and our investigation is continuing.

“No-one was injured.

“Anyone who has information should call us on 0141 532 5900 or, alternatively, they can ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”