Police issue statement after man found with rifle and bomb disposal unit called out to Lancashire estate
The man was thought to be in possession of a rifle.
Police have issued a statement after the bomb disposal unit and a police helicopter descended upon homes in Lancashire.
A spokesperson for the police said: “We received a report of a man thought to be in possession of a rifle on Beechwood Court, Skelmersdale, shortly after 9am yesterday.
“Officers, including armed officers and the police helicopter attended, and the man was located and detained.”
A 47-year-old man from Skelmersdale was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and remains in custody.
A number of air weapons were seized from a property in the Skelmersdale area.
The police spokesperson added: “To reassure you, they are all believed to be air weapons, and not viable at this time.”
Grenade-type device found
Around 7.15pm yesterday during search enquiries by officers at an address in Birkrig, Skelmersdale, a grenade-type device was found.
Colleagues from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attended the property to assess the device and it was found to be a replica.
A small number of neighbouring flats were evacuated as a precaution. Those residents have since been allowed to return.
The spokesperson said: “We know this will be concerning to hear about, but we want to reassure you that an investigation is ongoing, and our officers remain in and around the area.
“If you have any concerns or information, please don’t hesitate to approach them.”
An investigation is underway and anyone with information or footage is asked to call 101 quoting log 0350 of 29th July.