Seven arrested after reports of gun fired
CHRISTMAS DAY DRAMA IN CITY CENTRE
SEVEN men have been arrested in Leicester after reports of a gun being fired into the air on Christmas night.
Police cordoned off the scene, in Wellington Street, in the city centre, while officers searched the area and a parked vehicle as part of their investigation into the source of the sound, which was reported by members of the public shortly after 8pm.
A force spokesman said the arrests were made at the scene on suspicion of possession of a firearm “with intent to cause fear of violence”.
Officers remained at the scene yesterday to conduct a thorough search for the firearm and have since confirmed an imitation gun has been found.
Residents in the area said they were anxious to find out the cause of the police activity, which appeared to be concentrated on a black Range Rover.
One said: “The police got here about 9.30 last night and taped off the road. I didn’t see or hear anything before that.
“I’ve no idea what it is. Whatever it is, it seems pretty important if it’s kept the police here so long. I just hope nobody’s been hurt.”
Another added: “The police have been here for hours now and nobody seems to know what’s going on.
“There’s a Range Rover in the street and that’s what they seem to be concerned with. I know I live in the city centre and there’s always something going on, but this looks serious and I’d like to know what’s happening.”
Nobody has been injured in connection to the incident and the suspects remain in custody.
In a statement, Leicestershire Police said: “Police received a call at around 8.10pm (December 25) of a report of a firearm being discharged into the air in Wellington Street, Leicester.
“In the interest of public and officer safety, armed officers were deployed to attend.
“Seven men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. They remain in police custody. A suspected imitation firearm has been recovered from the scene and a cordon remains in place while enquiries continue.”