Armed police swoop on Cannock after reports of gunman
Armed police swooped on Cannock town Centre this afternoon responding to reports of a man with a gun.
The drama unfolded outside St Luke's Church opposite Poundland, just after 12.30pm today.
According to eye witnesses, a man in his 50s, had been sat on the benches on Market Place, next to the pedestrian crossing with a firearm on his lap.
A concerned member of the public called the police and more than 15 armed officers and sniffer dogs rushed to the scene and the man was led away from lunchtime shoppers and busy market stalls.
Staffordshire Police spokeswoman Faye Casey said: "Police have attended Cannock town centre this lunch time after responding to a report of a man in distress. Due to the information received armed officers were also in attendance. The man has been taken to a place of safety. We would like to reassure members of the public that there was no risk to the wider public and thank them for their patience and understanding in the matter."
