Specialist firearms officers and police helicopter detain man with reported 'handgun'

A MAN has been detained by specialist firearms officers in Wells after being seen by a motorist with what they believed to be a handgun.

The man was seen in the neighbouring village of Croscombe with a weapon on show in a car.

Although no threats were made, a report made at around 6pm prompted a response from specialist firearms officers and a National Police Air Service helicopter which circled the scene for around an hour.

The offender was arrested on Rowdens Road in Wells shortly after.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "Police were called just after 6pm on Tuesday, April 23, by a driver reporting seeing another motorist with what they believed to be a handgun on show in a car in Croscombe, Wells.

"No threats were made, but due to the mention of the weapon, specialist firearms officers were among police deployed to the scene.

"The National Police Air Service helicopter supported in a search and officers detained a man in Rowdens Road, Wells, just after 7pm.

"A number of what are currently believed to be air weapons have been seized and enquiries continue.

"Anyone with information which could help is asked to call 101 and give the reference 5224103931."