VIDEO: The shocking moment a fleeing man pulls a gun on cops

Officers, who had followed the 29-year-old onto the driveway of an address in Ribbleton, bravely tackled and disarmed him.

Today Ashley Gerrard, of Bruce Street, St Helens, was jailed for more than six years by a judge at Preston Crown Court.

The court heard police were called to a domestic incident in Mill Lane, Coppull at around 10.30am on December 22.

Reports suggested the man had made off from the address and officers later followed a Ford Focus as it turned onto the drive of a house in Ribbleton Avenue, Preston.

As the driver got out of the car, he pointed a handgun at officers and pulled the trigger. Fortunately the weapon did not discharge and no-one was hurt.

After a brief chase down the side of the property Gerrard was detained. A firearm was recovered and was later shown to be an imitation 8mm black and silver handgun.

Gerrard was charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to resist lawful arrest.

At an earlier hearing, he pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm, as well as to separate charges of assault and dangerous driving relating to other cases.

Detective Sgt Mark Riley, of Preston Police, said: “These officers showed incredible bravery in detaining this man after having a firearm pointed at them and it was fortunate that no-one was seriously hurt.

“This incident just goes to show the sort of things that officers are faced with every day of their working lives.”

Brett Gerrity, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West said: “Ashley Gerrard committed these terrifying firearms offences in broad daylight on a residential street in full view of the public. He pulled an imitation firearm from his waistband and aimed it at close range at two police officers and pulled the trigger. He then aimed and fired it several more times at other officers also at the scene, showing utter disregard for the long term effects this would have on them as they simply did their jobs serving the public.

“I commend the bravery of all the officers involved in the incident who had no way of knowing at that time that this was not a real handgun and were in fear of their lives.

“Police officers play a vital role in our communities by upholding the law and protecting people. The CPS and Lancashire Police will continue to work together to bring to justice all those who use weapons or commit violent offences against the police.”