Armed Police Deployed After 'Malicious' Report In Ventnor

A major police response in Ventnor yesterday afternoon has been confirmed as the result of false and malicious information being reported to officers.

Multiple police units were sent to Gills Cliff Road shortly before 3.20pm on Wednesday, with the road closed in both directions between Whitwell Road and Castle Road while the incident unfolded.

Armed officers were among those deployed and attended a property in the area as police investigated the report.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed it acted on information it received but has not disclosed the exact nature of the allegation.

The force has, however, confirmed that enquiries established the report was false and that the matter is being treated as malicious.

The incident prompted a significant emergency response and caused disruption for residents and motorists while officers assessed the situation.

No arrests have been announced and police have not confirmed whether an investigation is underway to identify the person responsible for making the report.

The road was later reopened and officers stood down once it had been established there was no genuine threat.