Police 'fire shot' during suspected handgun arrest

A man has been arrested after armed police were deployed following reports of a person carrying a suspected handgun.

Police were called to Rosebery Avenue in Yeovil, Somerset, shortly before 14:00 GMT after calls came in from the public about a man seen carrying a firearm.

Avon and Somerset Police has confirmed one officer fired a shot while attempting to engage with a man in nearby Monmouth Road.

No one was injured, the force added, and a man in his 30s was subsequently arrested inside a flat on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm.

Police confirmed that a weapon had been found inside the property after the arrest, and the man remains in custody.

Neighbourhood Ch Insp Joe Piscina said: "I know this incident may be worrying to many, but I'd like to reiterate that this incident has been safely resolved without anyone suffering any injury."

"Armed officers are trained to the highest standards and take on significant responsibilities in high-pressure environments.

"It is very rare that they would need to discharge their firearms and any incident in which they have to is treated incredibly seriously."

He added that welfare was support for anyone who needed it, and that there would be an increased police presence in the area in the coming hours as the investigation continues.

Anyone with any information about the incident, or has any footage of what happened, has been asked to contact police.

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