Police Arrest Two After Gunshot Reports Near Play Area

LITHERLAND, England – Two men were arrested following a police operation after reports of gunshots near a children’s play area on November 19.

Police received multiple calls around 9:45 p.m. about sounds believed to be fireworks coming from Hapsford Road Park, prompting an increased police presence in the area.

The following morning, officers searched the park as they investigated the reports of firearms discharge. Police vehicles were stationed at various key points such as Hapsford Road, Palmerston Drive, and Wellington Road.

Matrix vans were seen entering the park around 10 a.m., where officers were visible in white coveralls. A Section 60 order, which allows the police to stop and search individuals without suspicion, was implemented in the area to enhance safety.

The order, effective from 3:30 p.m. on November 20 until 9 a.m. the next day, permitted officers to search males aged between 16 and 40. In total, 48 men were stopped and searched under this order.

During this operation, a man in his 30s was arrested for outstanding drug warrants, while a man in his 40s was detained on suspicion of cannabis possession and handled through a community resolution.

In addition to these arrests, police executed two search warrants and confiscated cannabis and cash during the operation.

Targeted Policing Inspector Michelle Butland stated, “The Section 60 orders are a valuable tool for us to show our visibility and disrupt potential criminality and disorder. We hope that taking action such as this helps people to feel safer in their communities.”

She reassured law-abiding citizens that they have nothing to fear and encouraged them to engage with officers during their patrols.