Shropshire Star

Two men arrested for attempted murder after shots fired near Newport

Two people were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder today after firearms officers were called to an incident near Newport in which a vehicle was damaged.

Published

No-one was injured in the incident after reports of shots being fired.

Officers from the Shropshire Operations Unit were called to Howle, a rural hamlet about five miles from Newport, shortly after 12.20am.

West Mercia Police said two men, aged 23 and 21, both from Howle, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and are in custody.

A vehicle was damaged, but no injuries have been reported.

David Williams, 79, who owns Stanford Service Station at Stanford crossroads, near Howle, said: "I was disturbed in the night at about 11.30pm as I've got lights and alarm sensors around the premises.

"Everything was triggered.

"I came out to have a look around as there was a lot of movement.

"So I came down between 12.30am and 1am and the yard was absolutely full of police cars.

"There might have been six or seven and also one actually parked on the crossroads.

"I walked down my steps and one of the police officers said, 'sorry to disturb you' and told me not to worry – it was nothing to worry about.

"He said, 'we want to use your forecourt for a little while'.

"I didn't ask any questions and switched all my alarms off.

"At 3am I got up to check and they were still here.

"It's scary. The road is busy here, but it's quite a quiet place, we don't have any trouble.

Detective Inspector Robert Mountford of West Mercia Police said: "We understand an incident of this nature is going to cause concern for the local community. However, we do believe it is an isolated incident which may have involved an air rifle. Extra officers will be in the area today to offer reassurance to residents and talk to them about any concerns they may have.

"We would also ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has any information, to contact police on 101 quoting reference 0009s of December 8, 2016."

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org

Police in Howle, near Newport

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