A helicopter and specialist search team were scrambled after a suspected armed robber was spotted in Oxford this morning.

Detectives were alerted by a member of public who reported a man acting suspiciously in Iffley area about 8.30am.

Police matched the description to a suspect wanted for a series of violent armed robberies in Oxford and surrounding area since December.

The police helicopter and dog handlers were sent to the area.

A man matching the description was apprehended by police in Nowell Road, Rose Hill, shortly before 10.30pm.

However, a police spokesman said the man was not wanted for armed robbery and was released without arrest.

Detectives are no longer searching the area, he added.