Three arrested after armed police raid on house

Armed police have arrested three people in connection with firearms offences.

Plain-clothes officers from Lincolnshire Police raided a house on Asquith Street, Gainsborough, on Thursday and detained two 24-year-old men on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Armed police later arrested a 22-year-old man on Theaker Avenue in the town on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and possessing a firearm without a certificate.

The force said the operation had "generated a significant number of calls from concerned residents and, unfortunately, led to misinformation being circulated on social media".

One resident of Asquith Street described the police raid as "scary".

"It was like 'what's going on'? I heard what I thought were gunshots," she said.

Insp Mike Head said: "I recognise that this incident took place at a time when children were returning home from school and may have caused concern or distress to those who witnessed it.

"However, I would like to reassure the community that the operation was thoroughly risk assessed and it was determined that there was no danger to the public."

He added that officers gaining access to the house had used techniques which "produced several loud bangs".

"Residents may continue to see an increased police presence in the area while inquiries remain ongoing," Head said.

"I would like to reiterate that there is no perceived direct risk to the wider public."

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, and watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices