A large number of Police officers, including 2 Armed Police and the National Police Air Service helicopter, have descended on Brading tonight (Tuesday).
6 marked Police vehicles and 1 unmarked car have taken up position in a car park off The Mall whilst the Police helicopter circles in the skies above.
It is thought to incident began sometime around 20:30.
It is currently unclear what has prompted the large response to a normally quiet area of the Isle of Wight.
UPDATE @ 22:35 – The incident has now been brought to a close and all units are standing down.
Island Echo can report that a male has been located at Yaverland beach and taken away in an unmarked Police car, however, officers have remained tight lipped about what exactly has prompted the large scale response tonight.
Despite concerns from residents of Brading, there is not thought to be any risk to the community.
UPDATE WEDNESDAY – Hampshire Constabulary have confirmed that the search was for a missing male, but that things took an unexpected turn during the operation.
A man was located in the Brading area in possession of an air rifle after shining a laser at the Police helicopter.
Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/man-with-air-rifle-shone-laser-at-police-helicopter-during-missing-person-search/.
If the residents of Brading were not told what was going on what a stupid statement to put out about not causing the residents concern if it wasn’t that bad why don’t you tell us a bit of what went on just saying we are not at risk!!!
“Despite residents concern” means there was concern from the residents? Would you like to be consulted? Perhaps the police could have left whatever situation warranted that much attention for a week or two until everyone had a chance to prepare themselves? ♂️