Colchester: Arrests after BB gun incidents

Two men have been arrested after we received multiple reports of a BB gun being fired from a car which was travelling around Colchester.

In total, 14 victims have come forward after the incidents, which took place across the city on Sunday 13 November and into the early hours of yesterday, Monday 14 November.

Fortunately, there are no reports of serious injury.

Officers were able to identify a vehicle of interest and when it was asked to stop, it did not.

A short pursuit began before the car was stopped in Wivenhoe Road, Elmstead Market, shortly after 2am on Monday.

Two men were then arrested nearby, and a BB gun and ammunition was seized.

They were questioned on suspicion of a number of offences including assault, failing to stop and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence.

They have been released on bail with strict conditions imposed.

Detective Chief Inspector Nathan Hutchinson said:

"We received a number of calls from members of the public in relation to a BB gun being fired from a car a number of times around Colchester.
“Indeed, we have so far identified 14 victims in relation to the incidents.
“As a result of the reports, officers were very quickly able to identify a vehicle of interest and isolate it on the road network.
“Unfortunately, it did not stop when asked and a short pursuit was authorised.
“When it did stop, two people left the vehicle and tried to get away from officers. However, that attempt ended quite quickly, with one person being found in a nearby bush.”

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Samuel, our force lead for firearms, added:

“We take reports of air weapons being fired in public places extremely seriously. Such weapons can look and feel very similar to real firearms and therefore can cause the same alarm and distress when they are seen by members of the public.
“Even to very well-trained firearms officers, it can be difficult to be 100% certain that a firearm is not real without closely inspecting it.”