Police helicopter and armed officers search Leyland for men seen carrying weapons

By Matthew Calderbank
Published 27th Sep 2022, 09:39 BST
Updated 27th Sep 2022, 14:55 BST
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Armed police were deployed to Leyland after reports of people carrying weapons – including a gun– in the streets yesterday (Monday, September 26).

The police helicopter and dogs unit were also mobilised to search for the group, who were reportedly seen in Haig Avenue, off Broadfield Drive, shortly after 3pm.

Patrols flooded the streets between Broadfield and Moss Side as the police helicopter circled low above the estates, but the armed men were not found.

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A 37-year-old woman from Leyland has since been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent. She remains in custody.

Armed officers, the police helicopter and police dogs searched Moss Side after two men were seen carrying weapons on Monday afternoon (September 26)Armed officers, the police helicopter and police dogs searched Moss Side after two men were seen carrying weapons on Monday afternoon (September 26)
Armed officers, the police helicopter and police dogs searched Moss Side after two men were seen carrying weapons on Monday afternoon (September 26)

Lancashire Police say it is being treated as an isolated incident between two groups known to each other. There is not thought to be a wider threat to the public.

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Police statement

A police spokesman said: “We were called at 3.06pm to a report of people being seen in Haig Avenue carrying weapons.

"Although work is ongoing to establish exactly what these weapons were, it was reported that one was a firearm.

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“Armed officers, the police helicopter and police dogs attended the area and carried out a comprehensive search.

“Following a number of enquiries, a 37-year-old woman from Leyland has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent. She remains in custody at this time.

“This is being treated as an isolated incident between parties known to each other. There is not thought to be a wider threat to the public.

“We have since spoken to who we believe were the intended targets to ensure they are safe.”

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Message from detectives

DI Sean Cloherty, of South CID, added: “We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and we have a dedicated team of officers assigned to this case.

“Incidents of this nature are very rare in South Ribble and I want to stress that this is being treated as an isolated incident between parties who we believe are known to each other.

“You may see an increased police presence in the area while we investigate this incident. Please do speak to our officers if you have any information which could assist our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to email [email protected] or call 101, quoting log 752 of September 26, 2022.