Pictures and video: Man arrested after armed police incident closes area around Shrewsbury Sports Village
A man was arrested after a three hour armed stand-off involving more than 10 police firearms officers in Shrewsbury today.
The incident took place in a wooded area next to the Severn Pitches at Shrewsbury Sports Village, Sundorne, from around 10am this morning.
More than 20 police vehicles had attended the incident, which saw all entrances to the football pitches sealed off while the public were advised to avoid the area.
One eye witness reported how a man had run across Sundorne Road in front of her car at around 10am with what appeared to be a shotgun.
She said a police officer was chasing the man, and added: "I didn't know if he had robbed a house or something."
Several armed police were dispatched to the incident with more than eight joining a group of people - including police negotiators - who were talking to the 42-year-old man involved near to the children's play area.
The firearms officers, who were wearing body armour, carrying guns, rifles and large shields, had joined the group at around 12.40pm, with the incident concluded shortly after with no shots fired.
A 42-year-old man believed to be at the centre of the incident was led away by five officers through the Pimley Lane entrance to the field.
Following the incident police confirmed that a man from Shrewsbury had been arrested on suspicion of firearms offences.
Superintendent David McWilliam also praised the work of his officers in bringing the incident to a peaceful conclusion.
He said: "The incident was dealt with very professionally and we have tried to minimise disruption to the wider local community. Officers remain at the scene and will be providing reassurance to the local community that there is no continuing threat."
