Armed police respond to incident in Stroud with man arrested

There has been a visible police presence in Stroud this morning, Monday 24 June, as officers responded to an incident.  

Police were called to London Road with a report a man was trying to force entry to a property shortly before 6am and he then fled. It was reported that he was in possession of a weapon.

Officers attended, including with support from a police dog, however the suspect was not located.

Shortly before 8.30am police were then called with a report that a man was seen in a garden, and that it may be the same man from the earlier incident.

Armed officers attended and searches took place to find the suspect, who was running through people's gardens.

A 37-year-old man was subsequently arrested at around 9.35am on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in connection with the incident. He remains in police custody for questioning.

A long bow and several arrows have also been recovered from an address.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw what took place or anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage which could assist.

It is believed the man had been in the areas of Castle Rise, London Road, Castle Street, Lower Street and Spring Lane. 

Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 69 of 24 June: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/