Armed officers called to shops

ARMED police swooped on a Runcorn neighbourhood following a suspected fight.

A helicopter was also deployed after reports of a ‘disturbance’ outside Palacefields shops at 7.40pm on Wednesday, May 23.

Cheshire police said officers carried out an extensive search and spoke to several individuals in the area.

Enquiries are ongoing, including CCTV and house-to-house.

The constabulary has moved to downplay rumours that gunshots may have been fired during the incident.

Residents had reported spotting North Wales Police firearms BMW X5s taking part in the search including near the woods and vehicles passing along the northern part of Palacefields Avenue.

No-one is believed to have been injured in the incident.

Anyone with any information has been urged to come forward.

No CCTV footage has yet been released.

Detective Constable Amanda Antrobus said: “We are aware of rumours circulating on social media regarding this incident, including a weapon being involved and shots being fired.

“We would like to reassure local people that at this stage there is no evidence to suggest that shots were fired and we have had no reports of any injuries.

“We are currently trying to trace everyone involved in the incident and are speaking to local people to establish the circumstances of what happened.

“Officers remain in the area to provide reassurance and I urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has any other information that may help our investigation to call Cheshire police on 101, quoting incident number 72650.

“Alternatively, phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”