Public appeal following reported firearms incident in Charmouth
Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a firearms incident in Charmouth.
At 7.42am on Saturday 12 August 2023 the ambulance service contacted Dorset Police to report that of a man, suspected to be in need of medical treatment, was walking around Charmouth with a gun.
During the incident it is alleged that two people were threatened by the man.
Officers, including patrol, armed response and the dog unit and supported by the NPAS helicopter, attended the scene and carried out an extensive search of the area, which spanned the village and cliff top area.
The man, aged in his 50s, was arrested at 9.30am on suspicion of possessing a firearm in a public place. A suspected firearm was recovered.
Detective Inspector Rhys Griffiths, of County CID, said: “This incident sparked a large police and emergency service response and I understand that it will have caused great concern to those members of the public who were in the area at the time.
“No one was injured during the incident, and we would like to thank the local community for their patience and assistance while we brought this matter to a safe conclusion.
“I would ask anyone who witnessed this incident and has not yet spoken to officers, to please contact Dorset Police so we can investigate this matter thoroughly.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230126885. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
Witness Appeal
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