Armed police flown to Orkney after man with 'firearm' seen near school

An investigation is under way after the suspect was reportedly spotted with a weapon near Papdale Primary School

Armed officers flown into Kirkwall amid reports of man with ‘weapon’ near primary school — The man was seen near Papdale Primary School in the Willow Road area of Kirkwall. STV News

4th May 2022

Armed police officers have been flown into the Orkney Islands amid concerns over a man reportedly carrying a firearm near a school.

An investigation is under way following claims of “concerning behaviour” after the suspect was said to be spotted with the weapon near Papdale Primary School in the Willow Road area of Kirkwall on Tuesday evening.

Police received several reports from concerned neighbours, however initial enquiries were unable to locate the man involved.

Specialist teams from the mainland have now been drafted in as part of the probe, but police stress there is no danger to the public.

It is understood the object was never “brandished,” while no other reports of incidents involving a weapon have been reported.

Area commander Alastair Garrow said the investigation was likely to continue until Wednesday evening.

He added: “Around 7.15 pm on Tuesday, May 3, a report was made to police about a man carrying what was described as a firearm in the Papdale area of Kirkwall.

“Specialist armed policing officers were flown to the island to assist local officers and searches were carried out to ensure no immediate threat to the public, however, there was no trace of the person or any further sightings.

“The item was not brandished in any way and there have been no further reports of any incidents involving a firearm.

“Enquiries are ongoing. If you have any information that may assist officers with their enquiry, please call police on 101 quoting reference number 2857 of Tuesday, May 3, 2022.”