Homes searched in hunt for gunman

Police followed a black Volkswagen Golf that was driving erratically from Oxford's Eastern Bypass yesterday at 1pm down the A34 to Didcot.

The vehicle stopped in Kynaston Road and the driver got out and threatened an officer with a handgun, before fleeing into the nearby Didcot cemetery.

Police searched the immediate area for an hour, while hundreds of children were kept locked inside nearby schools St Birinus and Willowcroft for their own safety.

The gunman evaded the police and today officers have been concentrating on several houses in Oxfordshire, said spokesman Toby Shergold.

They believe he is a member of the criminal underworld but told the public they did not suspect he was an immediate danger.

Police are also talking with other forces in the south east, including the Metropolitan police, to follow up leads in neighbouring areas.

The Golf is being examined by forensics experts but Mr Shergold would not say if any drugs or firearm-related items were inside.

Det Sgt Alan Clements, of South Oxfordshire CID, said: "We are following several lines of enquiry in Oxfordshire and London as we track down this man, who may possibly have left the Didcot/Oxford area.

"We believe he is a member of the criminal fraternity. We do not think he poses an immediate danger to the public, but anyone who carries a firearm must be considered a serious threat and we are determined to find him.

"I'd also like to reassure the public that we have armed response teams on standby that can react instantly if a further incident does occur.

"Can I repeat the advice that if anyone spots a man fitting the released description not to approach him, but to call the police immediately on 999."

The driver is described as black, 5ft 9in, in his late teens or early 20s, with short afro hair. He was wearing jeans, trainers and a black Puffa-style jacket.

Anyone with information can call Det Sgt Clements on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.