Police appeal after firearms incident near Southampton school
Officers have carried out searches, but say the school was not the intended target
Police are appealing for witnesses following reports of a man firing a gun at another man close to a school in Southampton.
Officers have searched areas in the grounds of Oasis Academy in Sholing and nearby, following the firearms incident at around 1.30pm on Friday (October 20th).
Police were called to reports that a man had been seen in possession of a firearm on Middle Road, and that he had been seen firing the weapon at a second man.
Both men then got into separate vehicles and drove away from the scene.
Police closed Middle Road and the surrounding areas for several hours during initial investigations.
A scene has remained in place since Friday evening and high-visibility patrols continue to be conducted in the area for the reassurance of the local community.
Hampshire Police say the school was not the intended target of the incident, but have carried out operations there due to its close proximity to what happened.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly from Hampshire Police said:
"We are fully aware of the impact that this incident has had on the local community over the last 72 hours.
"Rest assured that we are continuing to work at pace to identify those involved as part of our ongoing enquiries – as demonstrated by the continued police presence in the area and our ongoing enquires and searches in the local area.
"Were you driving in on Middle Road or Heath Road within the vicinity of The Oasis Academy between 1.25pm and 1.35pm on Friday and have recorded dash-cam footage?
"If so, we would implore you to come forward and report this to the police directly, if you haven’t done so already, by calling 101 and quoting 44230430069 or Op Diary. Alternatively, you can make a report via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.
"We know that you may not want to speak to police directly, but if you have any information – no matter how small or insignificant you believe it to be – this can be reported 100 per cent anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website.
"Please, if you have any information that may prove fruitful to our ongoing investigation, do report it to us."