Three individuals have been arrested in Bristol following a daylight shooting incident that left a man seriously injured, causing local schools to enter lockdown and triggering a significant police manhunt. The arrests were made in the early hours after the shooting, which occurred on Wednesday, April 1, in the Speedwell area of the city.
Incident Details and Police Response
Avon and Somerset Police were alerted at 1:47 PM to reports of a gun being fired at a vehicle on Speedwell Road. The scene, near the Wackum pub and a car wash crossroads, was promptly cordoned off with police tape as authorities launched an investigation. The victim, a man in his 20s, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
Arrests and Charges
In a major update, police confirmed three arrests in connection with the shooting. A man in his twenties was arrested just after 2:30 AM on suspicion of attempted murder. Additionally, another man and a woman, both also in their twenties, were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three suspects remain in police custody as enquiries continue.
The police have stated that they are not currently seeking any other individuals in relation to this incident, indicating progress in their investigation. However, they have emphasized that St Anne's Woods remains cordoned off as an area of interest, and the public should expect a heightened police presence in both that location and the broader Speedwell area.
Community Impact and Appeals
The shooting caused considerable concern in the community, leading to lockdowns at local schools as a precautionary measure. A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police addressed public fears, noting, "We understand that this may have been a very concerning incident, but we have deployed a significant number of resources as part of our response."
Resources included the National Police Air Service helicopter, specially-trained firearms officers, and drone units, underscoring the seriousness of the response. The police continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with footage of the incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact them directly, as they work to ensure public safety and bring those responsible to justice. The incident highlights ongoing challenges with violent crime in urban areas, with police maintaining a visible presence to reassure residents and gather further evidence.
