Teen arrested after man spotted with gun at Newport Carnival

Police patrolling Newport Carnival were pulled away from the festivities at about 2pm on Saturday after they received reports of a man with a firearm near to the town's canal basin.

A BB gun was seized and a 19-year-old from Telford was arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of an imitation firearm. He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

Constable Lee Thomas, from Newport Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “While this was undoubtedly a very concerning incident for anyone who may have seen events unfolding, I would like to reassure everyone that ourselves and colleagues from the Special Constabulary who were assisting at the carnival were on scene very quickly to protect members of our local community.

"The matter was quickly brought under control and the weapon - although very realistic in appearance - was found to be a BB gun. Nonetheless, this would not have been obvious to people nearby.

"BB guns, which fire ball bearings or plastic pellets, are often played with as toys but they can be very dangerous. A BB gun is considered to be an imitation firearm and it is illegal to carry an imitation firearm in public.

"Although this was not the case in this instance, the consequences of carrying an imitation firearm can potentially be very serious.

"We are keen to speak to any witnesses who were in the area at time of the incident and would particularly like anyone who was on Lower Bar near to the Swan public house, Shell petrol station or the canal bridge around 2pm on Saturday to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and ask to speak to Lee Thomas quoting incident number 396S of June 10.