CUMBRIA STANDOFF: Armed police seal off woodland after shotgun-wielding man sparks alarm
A SHOTGUN-wielding man is in a stand-off with armed police in woodlands in Penrith, Cumbria. Officers are negotiating with the man after reports of “growing concerns for his welfare”.
Cumbria: Police presence near Hardendale Quarry
Armed police officers are said to have closed off a woodland area as they negotiate with a man in his 60s. Police confirm they are tackling an ongoing incident and have sealed off the area. The tense situation is taking place near Hardendale Quarry in the north-west of England, a short distance from the M6 Motorway near Shap, Penrith.
The police operation begun at around 8pm on Thursday evening after officers were tracking down a missing man in his 60s after reports were made “following concern for his welfare”.
The man is said to be armed with a shotgun.
Armed police officers are currently at the scene with negotiators – and have urged the public to keep clear of the area.
Police have also confirmed the incident is not terror related.
A statement from Cumbria police have said: “Officers were contacted at 8pm yesterday following concern for the welfare of a man in his 60s.
“A search was conducted and the male was located at approximately 1am this morning in a woodland area near to Hardendale Quarry with a shotgun.
“An armed response is currently deployed as a precaution. A cordon is in place, however there is no perceived risk to the public at this time.
“Negotiators are at the scene in efforts to resolve the situation safely. Members of the public are asked to not attend the area.”