'Gunman on loose' warning as tensions build in planning row

PEOPLE in “England's prettiest street” were warned a “gunman was on the loose” after a report of a suspected shooting at a property at the centre of a planning row in the Cotswolds.

- CARMELO GARCIA

Villagers claim the area is being wrecked after years of construction works. Top left inset, Arlington Row, Bibury

(BBC/SWNS)

Armed police were deployed to Bibury on Monday morning after a report that the window on an excavator shattered in the presence of workmen who were left “shaken” by the incident.

A source close to the Rosemary Cottage development told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that contractors were shot at with a rifle while on site and starting work at around 8.15am.

Armed officers were deployed, with support from sniffer dogs and drone units due to the initial report.

However, police say nobody has confirmed that any shots were heard and no projectile has been found and are currently treating the incident as a report of criminal damage.

They are urging anyone with information which they have not shared with officers to contact them.