Social mediaA man has been detained after a firearms incident in the centre of Bangor, County Down.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show armed police confronting an individual along with the apparent sound of gunshots.
A cordon remains in place on the street as Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers carry out enquiries. The PSNI has asked the public to continue to avoid the area.
North Down Alliance MLA Connie Egan, who spoke to the PSNI, said she understands any shots fired were warning shots.
‘Delicate situation’
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme, she said police firing warning shots was “the appropriate thing to do in that situation”.
She reiterated that “nobody was injured by any gunshots” and thanked the PSNI for their handling of an “incredibly delicate situation where police had to balance public safety with the safety of the individual involved”.
“I am very relieved this incident has come to a conclusion without any serious injuries.”
‘Extremely serious’
Ulster Unionist assembly member Alan Chambers, writing on X, said that no one had been injured in “what was a tense situation”.
“Huge appreciation to the PSNI for how they handled this incident,” he added.
Alliance’s Andrew Muir described it as an “extremely serious and concerning incident” while his party colleague Connie Egan said it was “no doubt incredibly distressing and difficult for residents to come to terms with”.
“I’d urge anyone in the immediate area around Bangor High Street to please shelter indoors until it’s deemed safe by the authorities,” she said.
“I’ve been engaging with PSNI and will continue to do so as things progress.”
