Fears that a man was roaming the streets of Sandown with a gun led to the deployment of Armed Police to the seaside town this afternoon (Thursday).
At around 15:15 Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary was alerted to reports of a man armed with what appeared to be a firearm – or imitation firearm – on Sandown Esplanade.
2 local Armed Response Officers were immediately mobilised to the area, alongside Response & Patrol Colleagues, with a further 2 officers called in.
At the same time, a further 6 Armed Officers were rushed across the Solent by MOD Police Launch to Ryde Pier, equipped with a specialist dog.
Over the past 2 hours officers have spoke to witnesses and a number of individuals in the Sandown area.
A property on Station Road has also been visited and a male stopped on Albert Road.
No arrests have been made and no firearm recovered.
Anyone with further information should call 101 quoting reference 44240403141.
