Latest news with #armedpolice
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Armed police arrest three after 'threats to kill' and 'helicopter endangered'
ARMED police arrested three men over alleged 'threats to kill' and placing a helicopter in 'danger' during a 'serious firearms incident' in the city centre. 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. RECOMMENDED READING: Armed police at St Martin's Gate Car Park as a helicopter seen Motorbike crash 'made my blood run cold' says horrified witness Thunderstorm warning extended as 'lightning strikes' likely 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.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Shotgun fired at pub injuring four people
A shotgun was fired at a pub injuring four people before armed police descended on the area. Two men, aged in their 20s and 40s, and two women, aged in their 20s and 50s, were injured in the incident. Armed police were called to the Dunkirk Hall in Leyland at 10.19pm last night, July 18, with police describing it as an isolated incident. An investigation has since been launched to find the gunman. A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "At 10.19pm on Friday 18th July we were called to reports of a shotgun being discharged on Dunkirk Lane, Leyland. READ MORE: Latest passport rules for Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet and TUI READ MORE: Man dies after being sucked into MRI machine wearing large metal necklace "Armed officers attended to find a man in his 20s, a man in his 40s, a woman in her 50s, and a woman in her 20s, all with minor injuries. An investigation is underway, and enquiries are ongoing. "This is being treated as an isolated incident, and we have increased reassurance patrols in the area as a precaution." Lancs Live reports that the pub posted on Facebook: "To all customers: Following an incident last night, both the pub and Smokies will be closed for a while today - certainly early afternoon whilst the police carry out further forensic investigations. "We hope to be open by late afternoon, but please watch this space for further information. Just to quell any rumours no one has been seriously injured and all staff and customers are fine." The Dunkirk Hall was originally a manor house but was used as an office building for most of the twentieth century before being converted into a pub in 1983. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 1775 of 18th July. For the latest news and breaking news visit Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. Join the Liverpool ECHO Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community to receive the latest news straight to your phone by clicking here. Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Man shot by armed police outside rural Kent pub was 'wielding a chainsaw and another object officers thought was a homemade BOMB'
A man shot and seriously injured by armed police outside a rural village pub was wielding a chainsaw and holding what officers believed was a homemade bomb, a watchdog has said. Cops in protective clothing and bomb squad officers flocked to the area outside the Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne, Kent last night. The man, described as being in his 30s, was initially visited by unarmed police at a property opposite the pub at approximately 7.15pm due to an 'outstanding warrant' against him - but refused to come out. Armed officers were then deployed and reportedly found the man wearing a gas mask and body armour, holding a chainsaw and another object police suspected was a handmade firearm or improvised explosive device (IED). The man then ignored two warning baton rounds and refused to put down the chainsaw, at which point he was shot by an armed officer with a conventional firearm. He was left with injuries described as 'not believed to be life-threatening but [that] may be life-changing', the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. The police watchdog said the man was given first aid at the scene and taken to hospital with wounds to his arm and abdomen. Despite the presence of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, complete with a remote-controlled robot, Kent Police said that the case 'was not related to any terrorism offences'. Kent Police confirmed that officers attended a property on Ashford Road across the road from the Park Gate Inn pub. 'We have been advised by Kent police that unarmed officers attended the house at around 7.15pm to arrest a man on suspicion of assault,' the IOPC said. 'He refused to come out of the house, so the officers were instructed to withdraw and armed officers were then deployed. 'We have seen officers' body worn footage which shows the man, aged in his mid-30s, holding a chainsaw and another object in his hand, which, at the time, officers believed appeared to be a handmade firearm or IED (improvised explosive device). 'He was also wearing a gas mask and body armour. We can confirm a first baton round was fired by police and the man then took cover behind a hedge. 'Officers moved in and a police dog was deployed. The man ignored orders to put down the chainsaw and a second baton round was discharged and then, seconds later, he moved towards officers and was shot by an officer with a conventional firearm. 'A detailed search of the scene continued today and among the weapons found at the scene were a chainsaw and a device which was made safe by the bomb squad (EOD).' A 100-metre cordon was put in place around the boozer following the incident, which began shortly after 7pm on July 7. The shooting took place just before 9pm. Dramatic aerial footage captured armoured vehicles parked up outside the property securing the area. One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, reportedly described seeing 'armed officers shouting commands before a loud bang'. In a brief statement released by Kent Police this afternoon, they said cops had been carrying out an arrest when an armed officer opened fire. Kent Police said: 'On Monday 7 July 2025, Kent Police officers attended a property in Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, near Maidstone to conduct an arrest for an outstanding warrant. 'This was not related to any terrorism offences. 'Following initial attendance, officers were further supported by additional units including firearms patrols. 'During the incident a man in his 30s was shot by officers and was subsequently taken to hospital where he remains. 'Officers remain at the scene and have been supported by an EOD team who made the area safe. 'As with all police shootings, a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and Kent Police will assist the IOPC with its independent investigation as appropriate.' The IOPC is the independent police watchdog to which regional police forces must refer the most serious incidents, including shootings, regardless of whether or not an official complaint has been filed. An IOPC spokesman said: 'The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the police shooting of a man wielding a chainsaw last night (7 July) which left him seriously injured. 'After being notified by Kent Police at around 10.30pm, we declared an independent investigation shortly afterwards.' IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: 'Police shootings are fortunately rare, however, given a man has been injured after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police. 'Based on analysis of evidence gathered to date, no police officer is under investigation for either misconduct or criminality – they are being treated as witnesses. 'We appreciate that the community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts and piece together what occurred. 'Our thoughts are with everyone affected.' Trauma kits and emergency first aid bags were still open outside the pub this morning having appeared to have been used. A police riot shield was also resting on a fence. Forensic officers carrying black bags were also reportedly seen this morning. Locals are being urged to stay away from the scene. The A20 Ashford Road was closed in both directions, with officers seen guarding the cordon on Tuesday morning. Eddie Powell, chairman of Harrietsham Parish Council, said locals has been stunned by the incident which was 'completely out of character' for the village. 'We heard police cars racing along last night and thought it must be an accident, as that happens quite a lot,' he told KentOnline. 'But then in the early hours we heard the bomb squad were called to a property near the pub . 'This is completely out of character for around here. It's the sort of thing you'd expect to happen in Oxford Street or Pall Mall.' Other locals said they had been left horrified by the police shooting - which they did not hear. Jamie Shiels, 52, who has lived in his cottage for four years, said: 'We didn't hear anything which is unusual because it is so quiet here that we normally would hear something like that. 'We haven't been told anything by police. We were so shocked this morning. It is very unusual. 'We lived in London all our lives before coming here so we are more used to these things. But you definitely don't expect to hear it down here.' Debby Bamforth, 51, who has lived in her home for 18 years says she has never had any problems before. She added: 'My husband told me the road was closed off this morning and that was the first I heard of it. 'I was very shocked. You would never expect that here. 'Nothing like this has ever happened before. It is a sleepy village. You feel safe and you can leave your doors unlocked.' Couple Martin and Sandra Paterson-Foad say the only problem in their quiet village is the traffic - which was worsened by today's road closures. Sandra, 71, said: 'We had no idea what happened until we asked the neighbours. I was very surprised. It is so shocking. 'The traffic has been a nightmare. We are a little village with narrow roads. 'It is not the quiet little place it was when we moved here.' Hollingbourne is a small village with a population of around 900 people, according to the last census. It is located about five miles east of Maidstone and is off the M20, one of the main highway leading through Kent. In a statement, the Park Gate Inn said: 'Due to a police incident that took place late last night in the houses opposite the pub, we are currently closed while the authorities complete their work in the area. 'We want to reassure everyone that nothing happened in the pub itself - all our team are safe and well. We're simply following guidance to ensure everyone's safety. 'We'll keep you updated and hope to reopen as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and support.' The boozer is described as a 'dog-friendly' country pub. It is named after the gate that once led into Leeds Castle Park in the mid nineteenth century. Leeds Castle has been home to royalty, lords and ladies for over a thousand years. Park Gate was a small hamlet at that time and was served by the inn that has a 16th century building at its core. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said explosives experts from 11 EOD&S Regiment, 621 Squadron, had been called to the scene. An MoD spokesman added: 'We can confirm an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called out to a possible item of concern in the Hollingbourne area of Kent. 'Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot confirm the nature of the item. All further queries should be directed to the Police.'
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Police find at least four 'suspicious devices' at scene where gas mask-wearing plumber was shot while 'wielding a chainsaw'
Police have discovered at least four 'suspicious devices' at the scene where a gas mask-wearing plumber armed with a chainsaw was shot by officers. Sean O'Meara, 36, is understood to currently be in an induced coma and is believed to have suffered life-changing injuries after being shot by armed police outside his parents' home in Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, Kent on Monday evening. Kent Police were initially called to the property opposite the Park Gate Inn around 7.15pm over an outstanding warrant. O'Meara refused to come out, prompting a significant armed police response. Body-worn camera footage captured O'Meara wearing body armour and a gas mask, wielding a chainsaw and holding another object that officers feared could be a homemade firearm or an improvised explosive device (IED). Two baton rounds were reportedly fired but failed to subdue him before an officer discharged a conventional firearm. O'Meara is now thought to have suffered 'life-changing injuries' after the chainsaw dropped onto his arm after being shot by an armed officer with a conventional firearm, according to his half-brother Liam. Following the shooting, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was deployed to the scene, and police have since confirmed the recovery of multiple suspicious devices from the area. Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon, West Divisional Commander for Kent Police, said: 'At this current time, there is nothing to suggest a wider threat to the Hollingbourne community, but we have found at least four suspicious devices at the scene and it is important that the area is made safe.' He added: 'The disruption this is causing to the local community, businesses and users of the A20 is not lost on us. 'We are doing everything we can to make sure the area can return to normal as soon as possible. I'd like to thank the public for their patience and understanding.' As a result of the investigation, the A20 remains closed with further possible disruption on the M20, as police and specialist teams continue their work to secure the site. O'Meara, who was believed to be in possession of a chainsaw during the stand-off, was seriously injured when the weapon reportedly fell onto his arm after he was shot. His half-brother Liam said he is currently being treated at King's College Hospital in London. Kent Police confirmed the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Liam has since spoken out, saying his brother has 'mental health problems', whilst adding that he believes police used unreasonable force. The 44-year-old said officers could have instead shot his sibling in the leg or tasered him. Revealing the worst of O'Meara's injuries were caused by the chainsaw rather than the gunshot, he told The Telegraph: 'When he was shot, most of the damage was when he dropped the chainsaw and it fell on him. 'The bullet's gone straight in and out so it hasn't caused many problems.' He believes his brother now could possibly lose the ability to use his arm. Kent Police previously confirmed that officers attended a property on Ashford Road across the road from the Park Gate Inn pub. 'We have been advised by Kent police that unarmed officers attended the house at around 7.15pm to arrest a man on suspicion of assault,' the IOPC said. 'He refused to come out of the house, so the officers were instructed to withdraw and armed officers were then deployed. 'We have seen officers' body worn footage which shows the man, aged in his mid-30s, holding a chainsaw and another object in his hand, which, at the time, officers believed appeared to be a handmade firearm or IED (improvised explosive device). 'He was also wearing a gas mask and body armour. We can confirm a first baton round was fired by police and the man then took cover behind a hedge. 'Officers moved in and a police dog was deployed. The man ignored orders to put down the chainsaw and a second baton round was discharged and then, seconds later, he moved towards officers and was shot by an officer with a conventional firearm. 'A detailed search of the scene continued today and among the weapons found at the scene were a chainsaw and a device which was made safe by the bomb squad (EOD).' A 100-metre cordon was put in place around the boozer following the incident, which began shortly after 7pm on July 7, with the shooting taking place just before 9pm. Dramatic aerial footage captured armoured vehicles parked up outside the property securing the area. In a brief statement released by Kent Police yesterday afternoon said cops had been carrying out an arrest when an armed officer opened fire. Kent Police said: 'On Monday 7 July 2025, Kent Police officers attended a property in Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, near Maidstone to conduct an arrest for an outstanding warrant.
RNZ News
09-07-2025
- RNZ News
Emergency services rush to incident in Hamilton suburb
The police helicopter has flown from Auckland and is currently circling the suburb of Chartwell. Photo: Screengrab Police and ambulance are responding to an unfolding incident in the suburb of Chartwell in Hamilton. St John ambulance says they are nearby the scene, with one ambulance, on rapid response unit, and a operations manager on standby. A police eagle has been circling above Chartwell, according to a flight tracking website. A local resident, who didn't want to be named, said she saw about 6 to 10 armed police, and 4 to 5 police cars, around the corner of Comries Road and Bellmont Road. She said a helicopter has been circling around for about half an hour, since around 8pm. The resident said when she approached police to ask about what's going on, an officer told her it's a "dangerous" situation and asked her to leave. - More to come Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
