Police launched a search involving the NPAS helicopter following reports of a moped rider with a 'suspected firearm' in Bristol this morning.
There were reports of the police helicopter circling over Bristol with a sighting first reported by a resident in Fishponds at around 10.30am. Others also shared in a local Facebook group that the helicopter was in the area of Kingswood Park shortly after.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed officers were searching for a moped being driven the wrong way in Moravian Road, Kingswood. In a statement, a spokesperson added officers received a call from a member of the public who believed they saw part of a 'suspected firearm' within the rider's clothing.
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Police attended with support of the National Police Air Service helicopter as they conducted an area tour but the search has proved to be negative. The force added there were no further calls relating to the firearm sighting and are attempting to identify the rider at present.
One resident who lives in the Fishpond area reported at around 10:30am: "Police helicopter has been circling over my house (in Fishponds) for the last 10 minutes."
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "At about 10am this morning (Monday 14 November) we received a call from a member of the public who had seen a moped being driven the wrong way in Moravian Road, in Kingswood.
"The caller told police that as the moped passed they believed they saw part of a suspected firearm within the rider's clothing.
"Police attended and with support from the National Police Air Service helicopter they conducted an area tour but it has proved negative. We've received no further calls relating to a suspected firearm sighting or incidents involving one since.
"Attempts to identify the rider continue."
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