A parliamentary candidate has slammed Cleveland Police's response to a firearm incident as "wholly inadequate". Simon Clarke blasted Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, Matt Storey, for his force's response to an incident which saw a gang of men brandishing an imitation firearm at Roseberry Topping on Sunday. Mr Clarke said he was astonished to discover that the force had merely issued "words of advice" to the men who had an 'imitation' AK-47 rifle and an Eritrean flag at the summit.
Mr Storey has said he will be raising questions about the incident with force leaders on Tuesday. In his letter to the PCC Mr Clarke said: "Carrying a replica firearm in a public place is a criminal offence under section 19 of the Firearms Act 1968, capable of carrying up to a year’s imprisonment. "There is no doubt in my mind that arresting the men concerned would have been a proportionate response to what was a serious such incident – not least to send a very clear message to others that such scenes cannot and must never be repeated.
A mere warning simply does not cut it." However, the force has now reassured the public that "all reports of firearms are taken extremely seriously" and they immediately deployed armed officers to the scene. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker explained that when firearms officers arrived, they confronted the man carrying the "replica toy firearm".
However, it was established that he was part of a community gathering - including families, women and chi.
