UPDATED: Armed Police – including officers from the mainland – were involved in the search for a man reported to be carrying a gun near Havenstreet earlier today (Sunday).
The Island’s Armed Response Unit responded to the quiet village of Havenstreet at around 16:15 following what is understood to be reports of a man armed with a rifle. It’s in Havenstreet that an Island Echo reader reported seeing officers with guns in the car park of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
At around the same time as Island-based officers kitted up in the search for the unidentified man, a Police launch transferred Armed officers across the Solent to Fishbourne car ferry terminal.
By 17:15 swarms of Police cars descended on Rookley and the National Police Air Service helicopter circled overhead, prompting interest from local residents. It is understood 1 male was detained at Rookley Country Park, but it remains unclear as to whether or not a weapon was seized.
UPDATE MONDAY – It has been confirmed by Police that the weapon spotted by a member of the public turned out to be an air rifle.
No arrests were made at Rookley Country Park yesterday, but safety advice was given.
