Four arrested after armed police sent to weapon alerts in Christchurch

ARMED police were sent to two disturbances in Christchurch, reportedly involving weapons, on Saturday morning.

The call-out to the first incident was around 11.10am when a fight was said to have broken out between two men at the Shell garage in Barrack Road.

It is alleged both suspects left the area in separate vehicles, with one said to be carrying a knife.

Then, about 25 minutes later, there was a further report of a disturbance involving one of the vehicles in the Jumpers Road area, where it was reported the occupants were brandishing poles.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said armed units were among the officers who responded and searched the area, helped by a police helicopter.

One of the vehicles was tracked down in High Street.

Officers arrested three Bournemouth men, aged 20, 21 and 69, on suspicion of affray. A 47-year-old man, also from Bournemouth, was arrested on suspicion of assault, affray and a driving offence.

All four suspects have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The force spokesperson said: “Dorset Police was called at 11.11am on Saturday 30th May 2020 to a report of a fight involving two men at the Shell garage on Barrack Road in Christchurch.

“It is alleged that the two men left the area in separate vehicles and one of them was in possession of a knife.

“It was further reported at around 11.35am a disturbance occurred involving one of the vehicles in the Jumpers Road area. It is alleged that the occupants of the vehicle were carrying poles.

“Officers carried out a search of the area for the vehicles involved, assisted by the NPAS helicopter. One of the vehicles was located on the High Street.”

The spokesperson added: “Three men, aged 20, 21 and 69, were arrested on suspicion of affray and a 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault, affray and a driving offence. They have all been released on police bail pending further enquiries.”