A 78-year-old man has been arrested in Kensington, Liverpool, following reports of threats made to a delivery driver with what was later identified as a BB gun. Merseyside Police responded to an incident on Sheil Road on Saturday evening, September 27, after receiving calls about a resident in possession of a firearm.
Key Takeaways
- A 78-year-old man was arrested in Kensington.
- The arrest followed reports of threats made to a delivery driver.
- A BB gun was seized at the scene.
- No injuries were reported during the incident.
- The man has been conditionally bailed pending further police investigations.
Police Respond to Sheil Road Incident
Merseyside Police were called to Sheil Road in the Kensington area of Liverpool at approximately 5:35 PM on Saturday, September 27. The call concerned a resident reportedly seen in possession of a firearm. This initial report prompted a rapid response from law enforcement officials.
Soon after, further reports indicated that this same resident had made threats towards a delivery driver working in the vicinity. The nature of these threats led to a heightened police presence in the area, involving specialist units.
Incident Details
- Date: Saturday, September 27
- Time of Call: Approximately 5:35 PM
- Location: Sheil Road, Kensington, Liverpool
- Reported Activity: Man with a firearm, making threats
Armed Officers Deploy to Scene
In response to the serious nature of the reports, armed police officers were swiftly deployed to Sheil Road. The presence of armed units is standard procedure when there are credible reports of firearms involvement, ensuring public safety and officer protection.
Upon arrival, officers secured the area. A video shared on social media platform TikTok showed multiple police vehicles blocking Sheil Road. The clip also depicted armed officers emerging from these vehicles, indicating the scale of the police operation.
"Officers received reports of a resident in Sheil Road being seen in possession of a firearm," a Merseyside Police spokesperson confirmed.
Arrest and Weapon Seizure
Following the deployment, a man was arrested at the scene. Merseyside Police later confirmed that the individual arrested was 78 years old and resided in the Kensington area. The arrest was made on suspicion of possession of a firearm and making threats to kill.
During the incident, a BB gun was seized by officers. BB guns are air guns designed to fire small metallic or plastic balls. While often considered non-lethal, they can cause serious injury and their use in threatening situations is treated with extreme seriousness by law enforcement.
Understanding BB Guns
BB guns are a type of air gun. They use compressed air or gas to propel projectiles, typically small spherical pellets. Despite their appearance, which can sometimes mimic real firearms, they are distinct. However, using a BB gun to threaten someone can still lead to severe legal consequences, including charges related to firearms offenses and threats to life.
No Injuries Reported
Despite the nature of the alleged threats and the presence of a weapon, no injuries were reported by anyone involved in the incident. This outcome is often a primary objective for emergency services in such situations, where de-escalation and safe resolution are paramount.
The delivery driver, who was the subject of the threats, was unharmed. The swift response by armed police played a crucial role in managing the situation without further escalation or harm to the public.
Legal Proceedings Underway
After his arrest, the 78-year-old man was taken to a police station for questioning. He has since been conditionally bailed. This means he has been released from custody but is subject to certain conditions and must return to the police station at a later date as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police inquiries are continuing to gather all facts related to the incident. The investigation will aim to establish the full circumstances that led to the threats being made and the possession of the BB gun.
- Arrested: 78-year-old man from Kensington
- Charges: Suspicion of possession of a firearm and threats to kill
- Outcome: Conditionally bailed pending further investigations
This incident highlights the importance of reporting suspicious activity involving weapons to the police. Merseyside Police continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that could assist their investigations into local crime, ensuring the safety of the community.