Police statement on Pinewoods incident

At 5.01pm yesterday (Friday 20 May 2022) police were called to reports of several “loud bangs” in the Pinewoods area of Harrogate.

Officers immediately attended and carried out an extensive search in the area. Specialist resources which included a firearms support unit and the police helicopter (NPAS) were brought in to assist.

Further enquires with the members of the public who made the initial reports confirmed that there had been no sightings of anyone carrying a weapon. Officers concluded their search at just before 7.30pm and no individuals in possession of a weapon were identified.

A police spokesman added:

“We would like to thank the members of the public that made the initial report as we believe this was made with good intent.

“We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously. The significant police presence was put in place to enable us to search a large area and safely conclude the incident.”