Gun suspect hit by plastic bullet in Newport

West Mercia Police said the man suffered bruising in the incident yesterday, and is in custody at Malinsgate Police Station.

The drama unfolded in Greyhound Mews, a small area of flats accessed off Upper Bar.

Upper Bar was shut from the Railway Tavern to Travis Perkins until about 4pm.

Nigel Borrett, who lives opposite in Upper Bar, said: "Four or five police cars turned up and then cops got out with guns and shields and everything else.

"Quite some time later they took someone away. No-one was allowed to walk past."

Cecelia Roberts had been out shopping and returned to find dozens of police officers almost on her doorstep. She said: "Someone was being taken away in a riot van. It's a bit of shock as it's usually quite quiet around here."

Neil Murray watched the action from his tattoo parlour Double K Tattoos opposite. He said: "There were four cars and a riot van, I think."

West Mercia Police said armed response officers attended after a call at 1pm which suggested a man might have had a firearm.

Officers placed a cordon around the scene and during the operation, fired an attenuating energy projectile – otherwise known as a plastic bullet – which hit a man.

The 29-year-old was arrested for a public order offence. He was taken into custody and is being held at Malinsgate Police Station.

Deputy Chief Constable Karen Manners said: "In dealing with a difficult scenario, armed officers appropriately deployed a 'less lethal' option to resolve the situation and it has led to the safe detention of the man involved."

She added: "I would like to reassure residents, and in particular those living and working in the Upper Barr area, there was no danger to the public at any time during this incident."

Anyone with information can contact West Mercia Police on the non-emergency number 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org, quoting the number 252s 28/01/14.