Gunman in Chichester: Investigations continue one year on

On May 28 last year, armed police were called to Chichester city centre following reports of a man with a gun in Litten Gardens.

Schools were put on ‘lockdown’ and a police helicopter searched the city while armed police patrolled below.

A 44-year-old man was arrested later that day on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a licence near Priory Road.

Officers were later seen preparing to enter a building along Lower Walls Walk. One officer was seen carrying a battering ram.

A police spokesperson has said they cannot confirm or deny that a gun was ever found.

Following the arrest, Sussex Police issued an appeal for anyone with any information to come forward.

Last week, a spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “A 45-year-old man arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a licence on May 28, 2021, remains under investigation.“The investigation follows reports of a man seen with a shotgun in Litten Gardens, Chichester, on the same date.”

A number of Chichester schools went into lock down with staff and children unable to leave or enter the sites while the incident was dealt with by emergency services.

In a statement at the time, a spokesperson for Chichester High School said: "We have been advised by the Police that due to an incident in Chichester this afternoon the school needs to be placed into lockdown.

"This means that students are not allowed to leave the site. All children are safe in their classrooms and the school site is safe.”

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