Armed Police have descended on Wootton this evening (Friday) amid an ongoing and ‘serious’ firearms incident – which resulted in the closure of a key route for a time.
Officers arrived in the area at around 16:45, first focusing their attention on the bottom of the High Street before working their way up towards the Cedars junction.
Police then closed Station Road in both directions resulting in significant travel disruption due to the ongoing closure of Park Road for roadworks.
Although the arterial route has now reopened, the incident remains ongoing.
At least 5 Armed Response Officers – including some from the mainland – are involved in the incident, the details of which remain unclear.
Island Echo understands Police are seeking an individual, who potentially has a weapon.
UPDATE @ 19:23 – Although the initial response appears to be over, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary remains in and around Wootton.
Further information from the Force is not expected until Saturday morning.
UPDATE @ 21:50 – Police have arrested an elderly male in Newport in connection with the incident.
Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/armed-police-swoop-on-elderly-male-in-connection-with-wootton-firearms-op/.
