Police chase suspect after Whitchurch ball-bearing gun incident

A man dropped a ball-bearing gun before speeding off in a car after being disturbed by police in a Shropshire town.

Police followed the man for seven miles from Whitchurch to Whixall, but lost him in the north Shropshire village. They have now issued an urgent appeal for help to track him down.

Officers were called to the White Lion Meadow car park in Whitchurch at 9.30am on Saturday following reports of two men with their faces covered acting suspiciously in a blue car, which then drove off.

Officers saw a man running into the alleyway leading from the Bull Ring, before getting into a small blue hatchback car in Watergate Street, near the garages of The Bull's Head pub. The man dropped the black BB gun as he got into the car. It is now being forensically tested.

The vehicle sped off and was followed by police before officers lost sight of it in the Whixall area. CCTV footage from the town is being checked and Constable Kieron Cornell appealed for anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has information about its owner to contact police on 03003 333000.

"The car overtook a learner driver in a red vehicle at speed before heading towards Wrexham Road and I would urge the occupants of that driving school vehicle to contact police," he said.