Homes evacuated and roads closed as police respond to firearms incident in Bedford

A number of homes have been evacuated and roads remain closed as police respond to reports of a firearms incident.

Bedfordshire Police say officers were called at around 6am to reports of a man in possession of a firearm at the Bury Court block of flats in Church Lane, Bedford.

In a tweet, police say the situation has been contained to a single flat and specialist police negotiators are on the scene speaking to people inside the flat.

Earlier today, a man from inside the flat handed himself into the police and was subsequently arrested.

A second man remains in the flat and is in contact with specialist negotiators.

Road closures are in place along Cricket Lane, Church Lane, Goldington Green and Queens Drive.

Police said no-one has been injured in the incident and no-one has been taken hostage.

A Bedford Borough Council spokesperson said: "An emergency assistance centre has been set up at Church Lane Community Centre, where we are working to support residents who have been affected by the incident at the Bury Court block of flats.

"The nature of the support that we are providing will vary depending on the needs of residents as the situation continues to develop."  

Detective Chief Superintendent Dee Perkins said: “I would like to thank the other residents of Bury Court and the wider community for their ongoing support, patience and resilience whilst we work with our partners to bring this incident to a safe resolution.

"Please continue to avoid the area while we are working to reach this safe and peaceful conclusion.

“I know these events will have undoubtedly caused some distress in the local community and I would urge people to reach out to the appropriate agencies for support.

“This includes Bedfordshire Victim Care Services, which provides tailored assistance for victims of crime.”

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