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Police confirm man involved in Bangor incident had a gun

Social media A still image of a video show three armed police officers approaching what looks like a taxi rank, with the sign Quik Cabs, where there is an individual in the doorwaySocial media
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show armed police confronting an individual on Bangor's High Street

A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

It follows an incident in the centre of Bangor on Sunday evening.

Videos circulating on social media show armed police confronting an individual along with the sound of gunshots.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said all shots were fired by police officers and "no injuries were sustained as a result of this".

The shots were fired by specialist teams and, as is normal procedure, the Office of the Police Ombudsman has been informed.

Police said they received reports of a man with a gun just before 21:30 BST on Sunday.

"Following a public safety operation, involving specialist officers, one man, aged in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence," the PSNI said.

The city's High Street was fully reopened by Monday evening.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said one person was taken to the Ulster hospital.

They said they received a 999 call at 21:57 BST on Sunday, and sent two emergency crews and a rapid response paramedic.

'Restraint and composure'

North Down MP Alex Easton said it is a "huge relief that no-one was harmed" and praised the PSNI for their "swift and professional response".

"The restraint and composure shown by police officers in such a dangerous and unpredictable situation is to be highly praised," he added.

Connie is standing in front of a cordon on a high street with a police car parked beside a red car. She has long brown hair and dark glasses.
Alliance's Connie Egan at the scene of the incident at the top of Bangor's High Street

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, North Down assembly member Connie Egan thanked the police for their handling of an "incredibly delicate situation where police had to balance public safety with the safety of the individual involved".

Democratic Unionist Party assembly member Stephen Dunne commended the PSNI for their "brave and decisive action" in dealing with "what was clearly a volatile and delicate situation".

The Police Ombudsman's Office said: "In line with standard procedure, the PSNI notified us about the discharge of shots by police during an incident at High Street in Bangor.

"Our investigators are now making initial enquiries, which will determine whether there are any matters requiring further investigation by the Police Ombudsman's Office."