Police have said it is being treated as an isolated incident
Armed police swooped on a multi story car park after an argument broke out over a parking space.
Armed officers from Northumbria Police were scrambled to Gateshead’s Metrocentre as shoppers flocked to the shopping centre’s Boxing Day sales.
Cops were called to the scene in the centre’s Yellow multi-storey car park shortly before 2.15pm on Saturday, December 27 where the occupants of two cars had gotten into a “verbal dispute” over a parking space, the force said.
The occupants had argued over a parking space at the busy shopping centre and one of the men had been thought to be carrying a suspected firearm, sparking the armed response from police.
The force said that no weapons were located at the scene by police and five people arrested at the time have now been released on bail.
Rumours were swirling on far-right conspiracy groups today that the incident had been a failed terror attack .A Northumbria Police spokesperson has confirmed to the mirror that it “is not being treated as a terror related incident”.
In a statement the force explained: “Shortly before 2.15pm on Saturday (December 27), we were alerted to a disturbance in the Yellow multi-storey car park of the Metrocentre in Gateshead. It was reported that the occupants of two cars had been involved in a verbal dispute about a parking space, and one of the males was thought to be carrying a suspected firearm.
“Armed officers were deployed as a precaution and five males – aged 17, 18, 20, 21 and 23 – were subsequently arrested a short time later in connection with the report on suspicion of possession of a firearm. While no weapons were located by police at the scene, enquiries remain ongoing.
“All five males have since been released on police bail, pending further enquiries. This is being treated as an isolated incident, and there is no wider risk to the public.
“Patrol activity is taking place as normal in the centre – and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak with an officer on duty or a member of security staff. We would ask people to refrain from speculation and sharing misinformation both in the community and online while our investigation is ongoing.
“Anyone with information can send us a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on our website. Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101. Please quote reference: NP-20251227-0496.”
