Armed police raid Coney Hill house

ARMED police raided a house in Coney Hill, banging down its door and scaring residents.

When residents saw the commotion in Naunton Road, they were shocked and concerned.

But police said they were there to arrest a burglary suspect, and thought they needed firearms because the suspect might have access to a gun.

The arrest occurred at around 5.30pm on Friday just when residents were returning from work, looking forward to a quiet weekend.

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One man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I just got home from work and saw all these police officers in the road.

"They had guns and armour and things and they just went and banged down the door of the house.

"It was quite scary because I didn't know what was going on but the police got it all done quickly."

Another woman, who also did not want to be named, said: "I was at work but my husband was home and saw all the commotion going on. He saw lots of police around but didn't really know what was going on.

"I heard the police were armed but I didn't see it because it was all finished when I got home."

Police said they launched the operation to arrest a man in connection with an aggravated burglary committed on an earlier date in Gloucester city area.

Intelligence

Inspector Joseph Tierney, of Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: "It was considered necessary to deploy firearms officers due to intelligence that the offender had or may have ready access to a firearm.

"The offender was arrested without incident.

"No one was injured and no property was damaged during the operation.

"Incidents like these are extremely rare and it was certainly felt necessary that to afford the upmost safety of the public the appropriately resourced officers were deployed to the scene."

Councillor for the area Tarren Randle (Con, Barnwood) said she was sure the incident was a one off for Coney Hill.

She said: "I don't know anything about it. I was in Naunton Road on Saturday though and I saw a house all boarded up, which looked like it had all the windows smashed. I did wonder what was going on.

"Coney Hill seems to be up and coming to be honest. I know years ago it had a really bad reputation but Coney Hill is one of the friendliest areas now. So to hear what has happened is quite shocking. It is definitely a one off."

The man was taken to Gloucester Police Station but was released without charge on Saturday night.