Armed police swam street in major UK city after ‘man seen with a gun’ | UK | News

Armed police swarmed a street in a major UK city this afternoon following reports that a man was seen “armed”. Merseyside Police were called to City Road, Liverpool, at around 2.50pm on Friday after reports emerged that three men were involved in an argument and one was carrying a firearm.

Police confirmed armed officers attended the scene where a man was detained and an imitation firearm was seized. No injuries were reported.

A neighbor told the Liverpool ECHO: “Around 3pm we heard a lot of shouting outside. Armed police units arrived a few minutes later.

“People were saying there was a man with a gun. There are often problems around these apartments. This morning around 4 a.m. I heard shouting from the same apartments.”

A 48-year-old man from the Walton area was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence or fighting. He is being held in police custody for questioning.

Police confirmed searches are ongoing to find two other men believed to be involved. They are not aware of any ongoing threat to the public in connection with the incident.

Chief Inspector Andy Foster said: “To the untrained eye, an imitation firearm and BB guns can cause fear and harm in people who may not know the difference between them or a more dangerous weapon when confronted with a more dangerous weapon.

“We trust the information the public gives us and it makes a huge difference in identifying suspects, seizing guns and removing suspects who would bring deadly weapons to our streets.

“It is vital that members of our communities provide information so that we can make our communities safer for decent, law-abiding people living in areas affected by gun crime.

“Where people are willing to support the police, we will encourage them to do so in every way possible.

“And if you are hesitant to go directly to the police call the independent, anonymous Crimestoppers helpline on 0800 555 111, we need to know who is involved in gun crime and where those guns are hidden.”