Three arrested in Gainsborough firearms raid on Asquith Street

Armed Lincolnshire Police officers detained three men on firearms offences after raiding a property in Gainsborough. Police say there is no direct risk to the wider public.

Armed raid on Gainsborough street leads to three firearms arrests

Google News UK — Crime (en) reports that plain-clothes officers from Lincolnshire Police raided a house on Asquith Street, Gainsborough, on Thursday, detaining two men aged 24 on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

A third man, aged 22, was subsequently arrested on nearby Theaker Avenue on suspicion of the same offence, as well as possessing a firearm without a certificate.

The force acknowledged that the operation "generated a significant number of calls from concerned residents and, unfortunately, led to misinformation being circulated on social media."

One Asquith Street resident described the scene as "scary". "It was like 'what's going on'? I heard what I thought were gunshots," she said. Officers entering the property had used techniques that "produced several loud bangs," police confirmed.

Inspector Mike Head noted that the raid coincided with children returning home from school. "I recognise that this incident took place at a time when children were returning home from school and may have caused concern or distress to those who witnessed it," he said.

Head added that the operation had been thoroughly risk-assessed and that there had been "no danger to the public." He said the techniques used explained the loud sounds reported by neighbours.

Residents were warned they may see an increased police presence in the area while inquiries continue. "I would like to reiterate that there is no perceived direct risk to the wider public," Head said.

Investigations into all three arrests remain ongoing.

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)