Arrests made following reported firearms incident in Cheltenham

Seven people are in police custody after being arrested in connection with a firearms incident in Cheltenham last night (Saturday 10 August).

Police were called shortly after 7.25pm with a report of an aggravated burglary on Tennyson Road where the homeowner had been threatened with a firearm and demanded to hand over money. Fortunately the homeowner was not injured.

Shortly afterwards another incident was called in where it was reported that a car had arrived on Moors Avenue and the occupants were in possession of a firearm.

Armed officers conducted enquiries in both areas before making several arrests and recovering a firearm in connection with the incidents.

Four men, aged between their 20s and 40s, were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

Two women and a man, all aged in their 20s, were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They all remain in police custody at this time while enquiries continue.

Officers from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team will patrol the area over the coming days to provide reassurance to the local community.

Despite the arrests, investigating officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and has not yet spoken to police to make contact.

As well as this, officers would like to hear from anyone who may have filmed the incident on their mobile phone or have dashcam or CCTV footage.

Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 395 of 10 August: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Alternatively you can give information anonymously to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/