Armed police called amid reports of person with firearm

Armed police were deployed to a Leicestershire town after reports of a person with a suspected firearm. Officers were called to the Beckmill Court area of Melton yesterday morning (Saturday, January 18).

Police were called at 11.36am when a member of the public alerted police to someone they believed was carrying a firearm, Leicestershire Police said. Multiple emergency response units were seen in the area, with witnesses reporting police dogs and a drone team operating overhead.

A police spokesperson said today (Sunday, January 19) that officers carried out searches of several streets in the vicinity. A police drone was seen operating while units responded to the incident.

READ MORE: Six arrested on suspicion of murder after assault victim dies

Eyewitness Adam Gibbons told LeicestershireLive he had to lead his daughter away from the scene after encountering the armed officers. The 41-year-old said: "When we got closer, I could see armed officers everywhere, I told my little girl we needed to get home quickly - I was really worried for her safety."

In a statement, Leicestershire Police said: "Armed officers were deployed to the area of Beckmill Court, Melton, yesterday (Saturday). It followed a called from a member of the public, at 11.36am, who reported seeing a person with what they believed to be a firearm. Armed officers were deployed to ensure public and officer safety."

Officers said no one was located at the scene, and no injuries were reported. Enquires are ongoing.

We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first