MAN, 21, HELD AFTER LATE-NIGHT ‘GUNFIRE’ HEARD IN CITY STREET
Neighbours shocked as armed police called to investigate ‘shots’ on estate
A 21-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after armed police were called amid reports of shots being fired on a city estate.
Firearms officers were sent to Finstock Avenue, Blurton, with eye-witnesses claiming they had been alerted to the sound of gunfire.
Neighbours also reported hearing shouting, with some claiming to have seen a man with a baseball bat.
It happened at about 11.10pm on Monday. A police cordon and forensic tent remained in the street early yesterday.
Police have now confirmed they identified and detained a suspect in a house on the road. They also seized what is believed to be a BB gun.
Police then searched the area. No officers or members of the public were injured.
Now neighbours with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage are being asked to come forward as the investigation continues.
Vicky Middleton, aged 52, told The Sentinel: “I was on the phone to a friend and I heard a bang. It was quite loud. I thought someone had let off fireworks – but these were not fireworks. There were blue lights and police officers with guns.
“It is scary. I have lived here for 10 years and nothing like this has happened around here before.”
Another neighbour added: “I heard what sounded like gunshots and someone shouting.
“Armed police arrived quite quickly and told everyone to go indoors and lock their doors.”
The suspect, from Stoke-ontrent, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He remains in police custody.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said officers conducted a ‘structured search’ of the area.
He added: “An investigation is ongoing and detectives ask people in the area, and the areas surrounding, or were driving in the area, to review any CCTV, dashcam or smart doorbell footage they may have.
“Officers will be in the location carrying out inquiries and providing hi-visibility support and reassurance.”
■ Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 769 of October 18, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.