Arrest in Castle Cary following gunshots
This morning (23rd January) Avon & Somerset Police arrested a man in connection with the armed robbery in Yeovil that we reported at the weekend. Police were called to a property at Castle Cary at 1.30 this morning following reports of gunshots being heard in the town.
Police Officers surrounded a house in Park Street. Further shots were fired. Firearms officers were called in and after a 3 hour siege, Police negotiators persuaded a man in the house to surrender himself at 4.30am. A firearm was seized and is now being forensically examined. The man is now in Police custody under arrest. Police have confirmed the man was wanted for questioning in connection with the armed robbery at the Co-op on Mudford Road at the weekend.
Police are keen to stress that although there were several gunshots during the early hours of this morning, no-one was hurt during the incident. However they will be organising patrols around Castle Cary this morning to provide reassurance to members of the public. Residents of Castle Cary will also see some areas of the town cordoned off today as the Police complete their investigations.
Update 19.30 Wednesday 23rd January
Police have just issued the following statement:
Superintendent Mike Prior, area commander for Somerset: “I know the incident in Castle Cary will be of great concern to the local community.
During this incident, our officers were shot at a number of times and I can confirm that officer weapons were also fired as they attempted to protect themselves and members of the public, in what were extremely challenging circumstances.
A man has now been arrested and thanks to the professionalism and bravery of our officers, no-one was injured.
We’ll be maintaining a visible and reassuring police presence in the area and I’d encourage anyone with concerns to speak to their local neighbourhood team. We would like to thank the community for the way they have responded, showing patience and being very supportive while we carry out our enquiries.”