Chorley road evacuated for bomb squad as ‘gun pointed at police’ after chase
Bomb disposal experts were called to Chorley after a suspected grenade was discovered at a property following a police pursuit in Preston, where a driver pointed what appeared to be a handgun at officers
Kirkstall Close in Chorley was cordoned by Lancashire Police (Image: Google Maps)
A residential street in Lancashire was evacuated for bomb squad moments after police had a “gun” pointed at them. Police reported that a suspected grenade was discovered at a residence on Kirkstall Close in Chorley.
Explosive ordnance disposal experts were called in with the street sealed off after the find at a home in the cul-de-sac. Three men and a woman, all in their 20s, have been arrested. A suspected grenade was uncovered during a property search on Sunday (June 21) after a police chase in Preston.
Police started pursuing a red Ford Fiesta on New Hall Lane at approximately 9:40pm and it concluded on Brockholes Brow with the vehicle stopped using ‘tactical stop’ before the motorist could flee onto the M6 motorway.
The motorist, a 20-year-old man from Chorley, exited the vehicle and aimed what looked like a handgun at police and it was subsequently confirmed as a BB gun.
He was also discovered to be carrying two knives along with the replica weapon, reports the Mirror.
He was detained on suspicion of firearm possession, failing to stop, carrying an offensive weapon and refusing to provide a breath sample.
Three passengers – two men from Preston, aged 20 and 21 – and a 21-year-old woman, also from the town, were detained on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon. The motorist and the three passengers are all being held in custody.
Lancashire Police shut part of Brockholes Brow overnight and their enquiry brought them to the property on Kirkstall Close in Chorley, where the grenade was found during a search.
A spokesperson for the force stated: “At 9.40pm yesterday, our officers spotted a red Ford Fiesta on New Hall Lane, with what were thought to be illegal number plates.
“We signalled for the Fiesta to stop; however it made off and a pursuit ensued. Following tactical contact, the vehicle was stopped on Brockholes Brow in Preston. Upon stopping, the driver exited the Fiesta, pointing what was thought to be a handgun at our officers.
“He was detained, and upon searching him, we located two knives. The weapon was confirmed to be a BB Gun. The driver, a 20-year-old man from Chorley was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm, failing to stop, possession of an offensive weapon, and failure to provide a breath test. He remains in custody.
“The passengers – a 20-year-old man from Preston, a 21-year-old woman from Preston and a 21-year-old man from Preston were later all arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. They also remain in custody.
“Whilst conducting searches at a property in Kirkstall Close, Chorley, as part of our enquiries, we located what is thought to be a grenade. As a precaution, some properties in the area have been evacuated and our Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) colleagues have been contacted and are in attendance.
“There isn’t thought to be any risk to the public at this time. An investigation is ongoing, and we are asking for anyone with information or footage to get in touch. We know this may be concerning to hear about, but we want to reassure you that we will have officers in and around the area conducting reassurance patrols.
“If you have any concerns, or any information you feel could assist us, please don’t hesitate to approach them as they conduct their duties. Alternatively, you can get in touch by calling 101 quoting log 1457 of June 21.”
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