Six arrested after Dorset Police search in Purbeck finds unlicensed gun
A warrant was granted for the Purbeck address
Last updated 26th Nov 2021
Six people have been arrested on suspicion of firearms offences in Purbeck.
On the morning of Friday 26 November 2021 officers executed a warrant at an address in Lytchett Matravers under section 46 of the Firearms Act.
Following an extensive search of the property, four men and two women were arrested on suspicion of possessing a shotgun without a certificate. They are assisting officers with their enquiries.
The operation involved support from a range of specialist units, including firearms officers and search teams, and a cordon remains in place as further enquiries are carried out.
Local Policing Area Commander Chief Superintendent Richard Bell said: “We take reports of unlicensed firearms extremely seriously and we will take decisive action against those suspected to be in possession of weapons without the proper authority.
“This operation, coordinated by our local investigation team, has involved significant policing resources as we acted swiftly to respond to the reports we received. Dorset Police will not allow illegally held firearms to be in our communities and will take a tough approach on those found committing offences in order to keep the public safe.
“We appreciate there is a large policing presence in the area while this operation is conducted and I would like to reassure the local community that this was a targeted operation with no information to suggest any threat to the wider public. Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team can be contacted with any concerns.
“We will continue to work with our communities to disrupt the efforts of those suspected of being involved in criminal activities and I would urge anyone with information to please report it to us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk/do-it-online/ or by calling 101.