Armed Police have taken up position on a residential street in Sandown tonight (Tuesday) as the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter from Bournemouth circles in the skies above the town.
Multiple police units are currently on the ground around the Fort Street and Avenue Road area.
The incident is believed to have begun at around 22:00 with the helicopter deployed to the scene at just before 22:30.
It is currently unclear what has led to the large response, which is understood to involve armed officers from both the Island and the mainland, who have been drafted in to assist with the operation.
UPDATE @ 23:10 – Police have now relocated to the Esplanade with teams searching underneath Sandown Pier, although the search appears to be drawing a blank.
It appears that armed officers are actively looking for at least 1 suspect as the NPAS helicopter still circles overhead.
UPDATE @ 23:30 – Authorised Firearms Officers have returned to Fort Street, with roads being closed and members of the public being told to stay clear of the area.
The well-known, troublesome street appears to be the centre of tonight’s operation.
UPDATE @ 23:55 – The search continues as midnight approaches with the NPAS helicopter now focusing its search around Perowne Way. Officers have been seen rushing towards the location at speed.
The scale of the response suggests police are undertaking a manhunt.
UPDATE @ 00:25 – Armed Response Officers have now stood down from the incident and the National Police Helicopter has returned to Bournemouth, however, Fort Street remains closed with a cordon erected.
Local units remain on the residential street as the incident scales back.
Hampshire Constabulary has been approached for a statement with further updates expected by mid-morning.
UPDATE @ 01:00 – Isle of Wight Police have confirmed their ARV team were deployed with A and B shift to deal with an incident.
“This incident has now concluded and there is no risk to the public.”
It’s understood that the wanted individual has been detained on Golf Links Road, close to the rear of Fairway Holiday Park. Officers swooped in to make the arrest shortly before midnight.
Island Echo is told that the glass door to Sandown & Shanklin Golf Club has been smashed during an attempted break-in, but it’s unclear if the 2 situations are connected.
UPDATE WEDNESDAY – A 50-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including rape. Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/rape-and-false-imprisonment-arrest-after-armed-police-manhunt-in-sandown/.
Guess it’s not pirates this time!
Always happens around Fort Street. Whoever it is, they need evicting. Not welcome here.
What’s going on here
I hope the police get what they are looking for. Everyone in Sandown lock your doors
Anneka rice would have found him in a helicopter guided by Kenneth kendal… Easy.. lol..
Cool
Lord about ….busy little beez
The incident has concluded and no risk to the public. What does that mean? They found him? It was all a mistake?
He was found and arrested
unheard of, only a few years ago on the island.
the place is falling apart
Sandown is no longer a vibrant town with good atmosphere
Newport is finished as a high street
tax tax tax and unfettered housing….soon be time to move, taking my skills and cash elsewhere
Sandown scunge strike again, sling them off culver with no benefits
People love to hate on police, but their putting their lives on the line to keep us safe. Top work guys 🙂
Troublesome street lol
It’s tiny though isn’t it? Bizarre.
I expect its another one of those police training jobs
The council should take responsibility for lack of generation over the years in Sandown.
This has resulted in Sandown becoming a crime ghetto.