Police are searching for a suspect after a shooting near a Bedfordshire school triggered a lockdown. Bedfordshire Police responded to reports of a firearm discharge shortly before 3.30pm on Wednesday, November 4, in Grebe Drive, Leighton Buzzard.
Armed officers pursue vehicle
Specialist armed officers were sent to the area and located a vehicle believed to be at the scene of the discharge. They attempted to stop the driver, but a chase followed.
The car came to a halt in Porz Avenue, Dunstable after colliding with an unrelated vehicle, and its occupants fled on foot. One man was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
School lockdown and police response
A lower school near the incident was placed in lockdown as a precaution. Although police did not name the school in their statement, Greenleas School is in close proximity to the incident. In a statement on its website, Greenleas School said: "School is open as normal 5th November. Thank you to the children, staff and parents for their composure and calm during the incident today."
Porz Avenue was closed between Boscombe Way and the Lovatt Road roundabout while emergency services responded to the crash, and residents were asked to avoid the area.
Ongoing enquiries and appeal
In a post on Facebook, Bedfordshire Police wrote: "We understand this is a concerning incident but would like to reassure the public that a strong police presence will remain while initial enquiries take place." Additional scene guards have been allocated in Grebe Drive and on the A505. Police have asked anyone with information to call 999, quoting Operation Tanglewood.
