Armed response after airgun alert in town

Armed officers went to St Andrews Street South in Bury St Edmunds

Armed police were despatched after a man was reportedly seen carrying a gun.

Officers were called shortly after 07:00 BST after the suspected gunman was spotted on St Andrews Street South in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

A second similar report was made in Oakes Road at about 11:43 of a male carrying a white-ball bearing type gun.

Following extensive inquiries throughout Friday, officers said they believed the weapon was likely air-powered due to an airsoft event taking place in the area over the weekend.

There is not believed to be a wider threat to the public, according to police, however "additional reassurance patrols" are being carried out.

"Those in possession of air-powered ball-bearing weapons are reminded these should not be carried in public as this can understandably lead to concern for members of the public and the person in possession could be breaking the law," a spokesperson for the police added.

Officers are hunting for a man described as white, in his late 20s, stocky build, 5ft10ins (1.78m) tall with tattoos on his arms.

He was reported as wearing a grey T-shirt and dark shorts.

Anyone with information is urged to called the police on 101 quoting CAD 37.