Armed police shut down city centre after reports of ‘gunmen’ on Poundland roof
Officers say they now believe the men were carrying air weapons.
Armed police closed down Southampton city centre today after onlookers claimed two men were armed with guns on the roofs of Poundland and Specsavers.
More than 20 officers and a police helicopter rushed to the scene at 3.41pm after several people reported two people holding what appeared to be long-barrelled firearms.
One man later reported a pellet gun leg injury, leading officers to suspect the pair were carrying air weapons.
Neither of the men allegedly seen on the roof have been located.
Police advised locals to avoid Above Bar Street, Portland Terrace and Bargate this afternoon, as they cordoned off the area.
However, shoppers were allowed back on the high street around 6pm.
Some officers remain at the scene and an investigation into the incident has been launched.
At 6pm, a police spokesperson said: ‘We were called at 3.41pm to reports of two people on the roofs above Specsavers and Poundland on Above Bar Street.
‘Several people reported that the two people were holding what looked like long barrelled firearms.
‘Officers deployed to the area to carry out a thorough search. At this time, no one has been located. We have not received any further calls.
‘One man has since been reported injured, not seriously, in the leg with what believe is a pellet gun injury.
‘We therefore believe those seen were carrying air weapons. Officers have since left the area. Enquiries into who was involved is ongoing.’
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