Armed police swoop on Walton street after man seen with 'gun'

Armed police descended on a Walton street this afternoon after reports of a man seen with a 'gun'. Merseyside Police were called to City Road at around 2.50pm on Friday, July 17, following reports three men were involved in an argument and one of them was carrying a gun. Police said armed officers attended the scene, where a man was detained and an imitation firearm was recovered. No injuries have been reported. One neighbour told the ECHO : "We heard loads of yelling outside at around 3pm. A few minutes later, armed police units arrived. People were saying there was a man with a gun. There's often trouble around those flats. I heard yelling this morning too at around 4am coming from the same flats." Another resident said the area quickly filled with people following the incident. They said: "Loads of people started gathering around to see what was going on. "It was a bit mad but it was all cleared up fairly quickly." A 48-year-old man from the Walton area has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and affray. He remains in police custody for questioning. Police said searches are continuing to trace the other two men believed to have been involved in the disturbance. Police added they are not aware of any ongoing threat to the public in connection with the incident. Chief Inspector Andy Foster said: “To the untrained eye, an imitation firearm and BB guns can cause fear and harm to people who wouldn’t know the difference between them or a more dangerous weapon if confronted with one. “We rely on information given to us by the public and this makes a huge difference in identifying suspects, seizing weapons and removing suspects who would bring lethal weapons onto our streets. “It is vital that members of our communities come forward with information so we can make our communities safer for the decent, law-abiding people who live in areas affected by gun crime. “Where people are willing to support the police, we will ensure every possible avenue is progressed to them. “And if you don’t feel comfortable coming directly to the police call the independent, anonymous, Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111, we need to know who is involved in gun crime and where those guns are being stored.” A road closure was in place and has now been reopened. Anyone with information about where guns are being stored, in their community can contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via the force's website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.