Armed police have sealed off a busy park after a man was stopped carrying a GUN.
Picture from Google Street View
Cops launched the armed stand-off after confronting a gunman in a sports field in Luton, Beds., at 8.30pm on Sunday.
Shocked neighbours said police are ”swarming” around the area which includes playing fields and woodland.
Police have cordoned off Leagrave Park, in Luton, and warned local residents to stay away from the area which is popular with dog walkers and sportsmen.
A 59-year-old man, whose house overlooks the field said police were stationed at all the entrances.
He said: ”They are swarming all over the place. I went out my car and saw three police cars around the corner parked near the main entrance.
”It’s a big park used by lots of people. I can’t believe someone hasn’t knocked on our door and told us there’s a gun man on the loose.
”At least there are lots of police around. But it’s quite scary when you think of someone out there with a gun.”
A mum-of-two, of Sundon Park Road, said her husband was warned by cops as he tried to take his dog for a walk this morning.
She said: ”The park is cordoned off by the entrance at the front on Sundon Park Road.
”It’s a bit worrying, I won’t go out of my house if he is still there.”
A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said negotiators were on the scene.
He said: ”Last night at 8.30pm a man was stopped coming across Leagrave Park by armed response officers as he was believed to be in possession of a firearm.
”Police have cordoned off the park and police are speaking with him. At this point there’s no danger to the public although people are asked to stay away from the area.”
The park has football and rugby pitches, a car park and sports pavilion and a children’s play area.