Armed Police Storm Ryde Property After Suspected Firearm Video Shared Online

A 20-year-old man has been arrested after armed police officers descended on a property in Ryde following reports of a suspected firearm being displayed on social media.

Police were called shortly before 18:00 on Sunday evening (May 24) after concerns were raised about footage allegedly showing a man with what was believed to be a firearm in a public place.

Armed officers, including specialist Armed Response Vehicles, attended an address on Ashey Road, where police in protective gear surrounded the property before entering.

During a search of the address, officers seized a number of bladed items.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a licence. He remains in police custody while enquiries continue.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has not confirmed whether a firearm was recovered.