Police in Bedfordshire are searching for a gunman after a firearm was discharged near a school, prompting a brief lockdown. Officers responded to reports of the discharge shortly before 3.30pm on Wednesday, November 4, in Grebe Drive, Leighton Buzzard.
Armed Response and Pursuit
Specialist armed officers were deployed to the area and later identified a vehicle believed to have been at the scene. Officers signalled for the driver to stop, and a chase followed. The car came to a stop in Porz Avenue, Dunstable, after colliding with an unrelated vehicle.
One man was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Those inside the suspect vehicle fled on foot, and police are now searching the area.
School Precaution
A lower school close to the incident was placed in lockdown for a short period as a precautionary measure. Police did not name the school in their statement, but Greenleas School, which is in close proximity, issued a public statement on its website: "School is open as normal 5th November. Thank you to the children, staff and parents for their composure and calm during the incident today."
Ongoing Police Response
Porz Avenue remains closed between Boscombe Way and Lovatt Road roundabout while emergency services respond to the crash. Residents have been asked to avoid the area and use alternative routes if driving.
"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," Bedfordshire Police wrote in a Facebook post. Additional scene guards have been allocated in Grebe Drive and on the A505. Anyone with information has been asked to call 999, quoting Operation Tanglewood.
