A huge police incident in South Bristol today has resulted in forensic investigation searches, a large cordon and bus diversions. Hareclive Road in Hartcliffe, Bristol has been closed to traffic all day as a result of a firearm being discharged.
As of 7pm this evening, traffic monitoring site Inrix reported the road remained closed. However, Avon and Somerset Police said at 5.15pm that they "expect enquiries at the scene to be completed later today after which, the cordon will be lifted".
Avon and Somerset Police said officers were deployed to Hareclive Road in Hartcliffe at 9.40pm last night (Monday, March 28) and a police helicopter was also called to the scene alongside armed officers.
Read more: Maddy Lawrence's heartbroken family pay tribute to 'beautiful' UWE rugby player
The force said those involved in the incident are reported to have fled the area immediately after the firearm was discharged and that it remains unclear whether anyone has been injured.
House to house and CCTV enquiries are underway and an increased police presence has been reported in the area all day as part of the investigation. The bus service 76 has also been diverting via Bishport Ave, Queens Road, Grange Road resuming normal route at Church Road.
Throughout the day thorough searches were carried out, including the examination of a car. Officers were seen carrying out fingertip searches while others used metal detectors within the cordoned-off area.
At one point, officers appeared to gather around an object discovered by forensic officers which looks to attract a lot of attention, although it remains unknown what the object was.
A statement released by Avon and Somerset Police earlier in the day said: “Shortly after 9.40pm last night we received multiple calls about a firearm being discharged in the Hareclive Road area of Bristol.
“Officers, including armed officers, were immediately deployed to the scene and the police helicopter was asked to lift from its base in South Wales. Those involved in the incident are reported to have fled the area immediately after the firearm was discharged and it is currently unclear whether anyone has been injured."
Read more: Hartcliffe police incident in photos after reports of a firearm fired
The statement added: “Members of the public can expect an increased police presence in the area as we seek to locate those involved and establish what happened. As part of our investigation house to house and CCTV enquiries are underway.
“Cordons are currently in place on Hareclive Road and Newland Road while officers are also examining a car. Anyone with information is asked to phone 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 522073769.”
Want our best stories with fewer ads and alerts when the biggest news stories drop? Download our app on iPhone or Android
Read more: Weather charts predict 3cm of snow per hour could hit Bristol
