Armed police in Leegomery shooting arrest

A MAN WAS today being quizzed on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with a drive-by shooting in Telford after armed police swooped on a busy Shropshire road.

The man, in his late teens, was arrested when armed officers brought traffic to a standstill about 100m south of the A53 roundabout in Tern Hill at 4pm yesterday.

His arrest came after four shots were fired at a property in Leicester Way, Leegomery, while a family was inside in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Staff at Adastra Services in Tern Hill said police were waiting nearby for some time until they suddenly swung into action just after 4pm and sped off along the A41 towards the roundabout.

The force helicopter was seen above as the operation was launched.

Eyewitnesses said the drama unfolded when about five police vehicles containing more than a dozen armed officers stopped a vehicle.

One eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said when he realised armed officers were involved in the incident, he ran to safety indoors.

The man being questioned is the third to be arrested following the shooting at 12.30am which saw armed police and sniffer dogs descend on the normally quiet cul-de-sac.

Two of the men have been released on police bail.

The family targeted in the shooting has been moved by police for their own safety.

Police have stepped up patrols in the area and have said they believe the shots were fired from a slow moving silver hatchback which then sped off.

Two of the bullets have been recovered and are undergoing forensic tests.

Denise Wakefield, spokeswoman for Telford police, said: "A man in his late teens was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

"He was taken to a police station where he is still helping police with their inquiries today in relation to the current investigation into the incident on Leicester Way, Leegomery, in the early hours of Saturday."

Police added no firearm was recovered during yesterday's arrest.

Mrs Wakefield said the investigation was continuing and appealed for anybody who had not yet come forward with information to contact police.

By Crime Correspondent Kirsty Smallman