WEDNESDAY UPDATE - Man charged as police name suspect
AN armed stand-off in the centre of Oxford has ended following overnight negotiations.
A 24-year-old man from Oxford was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident. He is currently in police custody.
WATCH: The moment gunshots were fired
Several streets were closed but have now been re-opened and a small police presence remains in place. Officers remain at the property involved.
It follows an incident yesterday, when shots were fired from inside the property and police officers returned fire.
UPDATE: Neighbours react after returning to their homes for the first time since shoot-out
No-one sustained any serious injuries.
Armed police had been in position for more than 12 hours before the situation wa resolved shortly before 3am.
Several people were not allowed to go back into their home and the city council helped them find overnight accommodation.
Armed officers were initially called at 1.15pm on Bank Holiday Monday following reports that a man had access to a firearm.
Superintendent Joe Kidman, Oxford's Local Policing Area Commander, said: "I would like to thank the community for their understanding and patience while we worked to resolve the incident safely.
"Officers are particularly grateful for the support of members of the public and local businesses. While the investigation is ongoing people travelling in to Oxford should not experience any further disruption."
An armoured van from Hampshire was called to the scene
Cordons were rolled out to block off entrances to Paradise Square, and a sniffer dog was also brought in.
Police were still arriving on the scene at 8.30pm last night
Police first tweeted about the road closures at about 3pm on Monday, as residents told Oxford Mail they had heard a series of loud bangs that sounded like 'gunshots'.
Due to an ongoing Police incident in paradise square, oxford, please avoid the area. PS 3833 Astley
— TVP Oxford (@TVP_Oxford) May 7, 2018
Guarded police cordon in Paradise Street
Yesterday, David Gallagher, a spokesman for South Central Ambulance Service, confirmed crews were attending a police incident'in Paradise Square.
He said one patient was treated in an ambulance near the scene for injuries that were not life-threatening.
He added: "We have another ambulance and a rapid response vehicle at the scene and further resources en route to support those already at the scene, but there are currently no further patients."
However as the evening as rolled on, more medical personel were seen in the area.
He was not able to give details about the injuries or information about the patient.
We are currenly supporting @TVP_Oxford at a police incident in Paradise Square. One patient is currently being assessed & treated for non-life threatening injuries. Please follow @ThamesVP for further information.
— SCAS (@SCAS999) May 7, 2018
One resident in Paradise Square, who asked not to be named, said: "I was coming home with my kids and police wouldn't let us into the street.
"I heard about five gunshots and there was an armed response.
"Flats have been evacuated and police were trying to talk someone down from their balcony."
He was eventually allowed back to his house but police asked him to stay inside.
The resident believed the incident had happened at a block of flats in Paradise Square, though police have not confirmed this.
One eyewitness spoke about what he saw with our reporter on the scene, Andy Ffrench:
Eyewitness Dean Dwyer describes what he heard and saw near Paradise Square pic.twitter.com/G61EMJLfHi
— Andrew Ffrench (@OxMailAndyF) May 7, 2018
Another person Tweeted to say she had heard gunshots and had been advised to stay in her hotel room.
@BBCOxford Shooting behind Oxford Castle. Helicopters hovering. Asked to remain in hotel room. #oxford #gunshots
— Janet (@jlouiseErle) May 7, 2018
Police tape in Paradise Street
Castle Street was also closed but this was re-opened this morning.
Due to the closure of Castle Street we are currently unable to serve Castle Street and Westgate stops. Thank you for your patience during this time.
— Oxford Bus Company (@OxfordBusCo) May 7, 2018
SERVICE UPDATE: Castle Street, Oxford is closed & we're unable to serve stops on Castle Street or the Westgate. Our apologies for the inconvenience.
— Stagecoach Oxford (@Stagecoach_Ox) May 7, 2018
A policewoman was standing watch over the cordon in Paradise Street, and officers appeared to be using the Jolly Farmers pub as their base.
Police officers have cordoned off Paradise Street in Oxford city Centre pic.twitter.com/n4SXptPNfZ
— Andrew Ffrench (@OxMailAndyF) May 7, 2018
Entrances to Paradise Square have been sealed off, including the path from Norfolk Street.
A 21-year-old woman from Risinghurst said she was worried she would not be able to get a bus home following the incident, as some routes have been affected.
She said: "It's worrying to see so many police around - you should feel safe when you go shopping."
A line of ambulances were parked in Castle Street yesterday, seemingly as a precaution.
At about 5pm ambulance staff were seen carrying a stretcher of medical equipment towards Paradise Square.
Ambulance crews carry equipment into the cordoned off area in Paradise Square following a 'firearms incident' pic.twitter.com/AIRdyeT77x
— Andrew Ffrench (@OxMailAndyF) May 7, 2018
A 27-year-old Oxford University student, who lives in Paradise Square, said: ''I saw officers with shields and quite big guns.
''I heard some shots - about five- then a period of silence and more shots. There were definitely more than five.''
The Master's student added that officers advised her to keep away from the windows at the back of her house.
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