‘Firearm’ brandished in parking area row as armed cops rush to buying centre
Five people have been arrested after a disturbance in the Yellow multi-storey car park at the Metrocentre in Gateshead after a row broke out over a parking space
Armed police rushed to Gateshead’s Metrocentre after reports of a man wielding a suspected weapon. Officers were scrambled to a disturbance in the Yellow multi-storey car park just before 2.15pm on Saturday, December 27.
It’s understood that people in two vehicles got into a heated row over a parking spot, with one man allegedly brandishing what appeared to be a firearm.
Although no weapons were discovered by police at the scene, investigations are still underway. Today, Northumbria Police revealed that a 17-year-old lad and four men – aged 18, 20, 21 and 23 – were arrested in connection with the incident and have now been bailed, reports Chronicle Live.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “Shortly before 2.15pm on Saturday (December 27), we were alerted to a disturbance in the Yellow multi-storey car park of the Metrocentre in Gateshead.
“It was reported that the occupants of two cars had been involved in a verbal dispute about a parking space, and one of the males was thought to be carrying a suspected firearm.
“Armed officers were deployed as a precaution and five males – aged 17, 18, 20, 21 and 23 – were subsequently arrested a short time later in connection with the report on suspicion of possession of a firearm. While no weapons were located by police at the scene, enquiries remain ongoing.
“All five males have since been released on police bail, pending further enquiries. This is being treated as an isolated incident, and there is no wider risk to the public.
“Patrol activity is taking place as normal in the centre – and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak with an officer on duty or a member of security staff. We would ask people to refrain from speculation and sharing misinformation both in the community and online while our investigation is ongoing.
“Anyone with information can send us a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on our website. Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101. Please quote reference: NP-20251227-0496.”
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