Man denies gun claim nuisance 999 calls

Carlisle magistrates heard the man denied making nuisance 999 calls

A man has appeared in court accused of making nuisance 999 calls reporting that a man was armed with a gun at a retail park.

The claim sparked an armed response by police officers on Wednesday morning, with several streets closed.

The 26-year-old accused from Carlisle appeared at the city's magistrates' court on Thursday.

He pleaded not guilty to one charge alleging he persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety.

Prosecutor George Shelley alleged that two 999 calls had been made reporting that a man with a sports bag and a handgun was in the area of St Nicholas Gate retail park, off London Road.

A Cumbria Police spokesman confirmed on Wednesday that a man had been detained, with cordons put in place near the Lanes shopping centre and Crosby Street.

In an update issued on Thursday, police said they had found no evidence of a firearm.

A trial over the 999 calls is due to take place at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on 9 July.