UPDATED: MAN ‘ARMED WITH RIFLE’ IN EAST WIGHT BEAUTY SPOT ARRESTED

A 48-year-old man remains in custody after allegedly pointing a rifle at members of the public in a terrifying incident on Culver Down yesterday afternoon (Friday). Officers – including the Island’s Armed Response capability – were deployed to the East Wight beauty spot at just before 18:00. It followed reports that a man had been seen armed with a rifle. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed that a 48-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. He has been taken into custody at Newport Police Station for questioning. UPDATE SUNDAY – 48-year-old Stephen Joseph Coyle, from Belfast, has been charged with possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. He has been remanded in custody to appear before Magistrates at Portsmouth Magistrates Court tomorrow (Monday).