ARMED police were called to an unauthorised encampment in Southampton after someone was threatened with a firearm.

Yesterday evening, police rushed to a field at Test Lane in Redbridge as a convoy of caravans attempted to gain access.

The force were alerted to the incident by ward councillor, Sally Spicer, at around 5.30pm.

But after it became apparent that a member of the public had been threatened with what was described as a firearm, armed police were dispatched.

Read more: Armed police called out as convoy of caravans try to gain access to field

The threats were allegedly carried out by two men in their 20s. 

A police spokesperson said: “The firearms officers conducted enquiries and after it was established the men involved were not at the site, they were stood down at 6.37pm.”

The unauthorised encampment left the area at 9.45pm and now the council’s highways contractor, Balfour Beatty is due to bring in physical barriers to secure the site.

The scene is currently being monitored whilst measures are put in.

Read more: Southampton council and police bid to 'resolve' travellers on park

Sharing the news on Facebook, Cllr Spicer said: “I was cooking the kids dinner when I had a call from a resident alerting me to what was happening.

“The end result of the council working together and lots of different calls that I made back and forth at the scene, the site they were trying to access will now be secured.

“No doubt the travellers will stay a few days due to them probably attending the Wickham fair.”

The police spokesperson added: “We continued to work closely with partners, including local councillors and Southampton City Council, to resolve the situation.

“Officers continue to investigate the firearm incident and anyone with information can report it to us via 101 or our website.”

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