UPDATE FOLLOWING FIREARMS INCIDENT IN RUGELEY

You may have seen firearms officers in the Rugeley area today (Wednesday 14 January) who were responding to a report of a man with a shotgun. We’d like to confirm that there is nothing to worry about and explain what happened. 

At 4.55pm this afternoon, we were called to a field off the A51 in Colwich following a report of a man using a firearm. 

As a precaution and to ensure we kept people safe in the area, armed officers were sent to the scene to search for the man, who left the area in a vehicle. 

We worked alongside the National Police Air Service (NPAS) to trace the vehicle, which had travelled into Rugeley town centre. 

The van came to a stop outside Wetherspoons, where it was established that the man was a registered firearms holder and had permission from a nearby land owner to hunt wildlife. The man was mistakenly hunting on the wrong field, but no offences were identified. 

After ensuring everyone in the area was safe, firearms officers were stood down. 

We will always take immediate measures to ensure the safety of the public in reports like these, until we can be certain that there is no threat and activity is being carried out legally.