Armed police arrest three after 'threats to kill' and 'helicopter endangered'
An estimated 10 armed police officers were seen carrying assault rifles as they swooped into St Martin's Gate in Worcester yesterday (Saturday) after a man was allegedly threatened with a firearm.
Two men, aged 20 and 21, were arrested on the scene on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear, violence and threats to kill.
A third man was also arrested after he was believed to be pointing a laser towards a police helicopter.
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He was arrested on suspicion of endangering an aircraft.
What is believed to be an imitation firearm was seized by police from the address off the B4205.
Acting Inspector Sam Mott said: 'Our officers acted quickly when a serious firearms incident was declared in a busy public place yesterday.
Armed police officers outside St Martin's Gate Car Park. (Image: Submitted) "Fortunately, it is believed that the weapon is an imitation, but our communities can be reassured by the swift response from our officers and the arrests that have been made.'
Traffic slowed at 5pm around the city centre as armed officers and two reported dog units parked outside St Martin's Gate Car Park during the incident.
Crowds of onlookers lined the street as police attended the scene and other shoppers stopped to take pictures of the police helicopter circling overhead.
One eyewitness on the scene said they saw police take three people in handcuffs after several officers were seen entering an alleyway off St Martin's Gate.
He said: "Three men were arrested and taken out of a property in handcuffs. Two of them were topless.
"There were five police cars and two dog units outside the car park.
'I would estimate around ten armed police officers.'
Another eyewitness added: "There were two officers with machine guns, who were talking to a man sitting on the floor on the roundabout next door to Pure Gym."
All three men remain in custody as enquiries continue.
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