Apr 6 2011 by Dave Goodban, Flintshire Chronicle
Armed police, Shotton
ARMED police officers swooped on a town centre after a report of a man who may have been carrying a gun.
Yesterday (Tuesday) they were called to find the suspect on a mountain bike at Shotton who reportedly had what was thought to be a gun in his trouser belt.
But despite an hour-long search by the officers – including four who were armed – they did not find the man, and enquiries are continuing.
North Wales Police Inspector Sian Harrison said: “We had a report of a guy on a mountain bike cycling recklessly.
“He was challenged by a van driver. He lifted his shirt up and there was a black handle which could have been the butt of a gun sticking out of he top of his trousers.”
She added: “I directed our armed response officers, who are routinely armed, and they searched the area for an hour.”
The search team included a traffic policeman and North Wales Police helicopter crew. They spoke to several mountain bikers but did not find the suspect.
Insp Harrison said it could have been a false alarm and added: “Shotton is still a safe place to live.”
A member of staff at Shotton Taxis saw four police cars including one driving quickly past the back of the office.
They searched King Edward Street and Alexandra Street and Shotton Station among other areas.