A Cumbria police inspector said there were no counter terrorism officers in Carlisle on Tuesday, despite rumours circulating on social media.
Armed police were deployed as a precaution following a report that a man may have been carrying a firearm, wrapped in a plastic bag on English Street.
Nobody was threatened and nobody was harmed. No firearm was discharged.
Cumbria police said: “There was no confirmation this was a weapon due to it being wrapped in a plastic bag. But due to the nature of the report, armed officers were deployed as a precaution as part of the police response.”
As a result of the call, at around 3.40pm, there was a large overall police presence in the city centre.
To find the suspect, armed officers were sent out on the streets of the city centre and areas just outside the city centre, alongside other officers – both uniformed police and detectives – carrying out enquiries.
These enquiries ranged onto Botchergate and various other streets, including Compton Street, through the afternoon, evening and into the night.
Officers – both armed and unarmed – spoke with business staff at shops and food outlets and members of the public, including on Botchergate, to gather information. Due to their location they may have been useful witnesses, with the help of shop staff and the public proving valuable.
An initial arrest was made in connection with the incident – with a further arrest made later.
A glass device believed to be used for smoking was seized. This is believed to have been the item seen by the person in the incident.
Both men – aged 22 and 23 – remain in custody today as investigations are carried out.
Inspector Andy Leather, who leads the Carlisle neighbourhood police team, said: “We appreciate there was some concern yesterday after people saw armed officers out in the city centre and some other areas outside the city centre.
“These officers were deployed as a precaution due to the nature of the report – but there was no perceived wider threat to the public.
“Last night there was a lot of speculation on social media but I’d like to put some of the rumours to bed.
“I can confirm there were no counter terrorism police on the streets.
“Our armed officers look quite formidable and I can understand how people may get this confused, but I can confirm that was not the case.
“There also rumours of a knife incident in a city centre premises. We did not receive any such report.
“The glass smoking device, wrapped in plastic, had the appearance of potentially being a firearm, so we exercise all necessary caution and prioritise such an incident.
“When an incident such as this occurs our officers will respond in numbers to ensure the safety of the public – and as such it may look concerning.
“We also have to consider when we release information so as not to jeopardise any investigative leads or opportunities.
“We appreciate the concern in the community but would always urge people not to speculate on social media during enquiries so as not to impede any enquiries or cause concern in the community.
“We’d like to thank those people in businesses and members of the public who helped our enquiries yesterday.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101, referring to log 166 of June 9.
