An 83-year-old man arrested after an alleged firearm incident at a pharmacy in Wootton Bridge back in April has been released with no further action.
Officers were called to Day Lewis Pharmacy on High Street at 16:24 on Friday 11th April, following reports that an elderly man had entered the premises in possession of a gun.
The suspect left the store before officers arrived, prompting a large-scale response including specialist Armed Response Officers deployed from the mainland. A search of the local area was launched, with officers later surrounding a property on Station Road.
Just after 20:15, the man was located on Fairlee Road near the entrance to Seaclose Park in Newport. He was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and taken into custody at Newport Police Station.
At the time, Police confirmed that a firearm had been seized. It has now been clarified that the item was an antique, purchased on the same day, and not capable of firing live ammunition.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary says that the weapon never posed a risk to the public and that the incident was isolated.
Now, following a number of enquiries and on the basis of all the evidence captured by Police, a decision has been made to release the man with no further action.
The investigation has now concluded.
You cannot really make this up.