Armed police respond to reports of man with a handgun in Weymouth
Officers were called to Culliford Way in Littlemoor yesterday afternoon
Armed police have responded to reports of a man seen with a handgun in Weymouth.
Officers were called to Culliford Way in Littlemoor at around 2.31pm yesterday afternoon. (21 July)
A search was carried out which included the police helicopter.
A local man in his 20's was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. As of last night he was still in police custody.
Police say no weapon was located and an investigation has been launched.
Police respond to concerns
Dorset Police have issued a statement to address concerns from the public which are circulating on social media.
A spokesperson for Weymouth and Portland Police said:
"We are aware of information circulating on social media in relation to the incident and would like to reassure the public that there were no shots fired and nobody was injured. There were no direct threats made to any members of the public.
"While we received reports that the man was sighted near to a school in the area, no access was gained to the school. There was no risk to any pupils and therefore a decision was made that no evacuation was needed.
"We understand this incident has caused concern with the local community and officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out patrols in the area and can be approached by members of the public with anything they would like to discuss."