Dorset Police news site

Officers have launched a full investigation into a reported collision and firearms incident in Bournemouth and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Dorset Police received a report at 7.48pm on Saturday 6 August 2022 of a road traffic collision in Moore Avenue in Bournemouth involving two vehicles. One of the vehicles was subsequently also involved in a collision with a nearby bus stop.

It was reported that what was believed to be a firearm was discharged during the incident, however nobody was injured as a result of this, and people were seen making off from the scene on foot.

Two people were taken to hospital as a precaution due to injuries sustained from the collision that are not believed to be serious.

Officers attended and, following extensive enquiries, a vehicle was stopped in Ringwood Road in Poole and two men were arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. A suspected air weapon was also recovered.

Road closures were put in place in Moore Avenue as enquiries were carried out.

Chief Superintendent Richard Bell, of Dorset Police, said: “We understand reports of this nature will cause concern for the local community and I would like to reassure members of the public that we deployed significant resources to the area as officers conducted extensive enquiries to identify those believed to be involved and establish what had happened.

“I would like to thank members of the community for their patience and understanding while the road closures were in place and as we investigate the incident. I would also like to thank members of the public who have already contacted us with information.

“Any witnesses or anyone with information who has not already spoken to police is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 6:646.”