Armed police in three-hour stand-off with men in car

Officers were called at around 11pm on Tuesday to reports of men damaging homes and cars in Douglas Place, Pearl Street and Gretna Road, Blackburn.

Officers found a silver VW Passat, thought to have been used in the disorder, on nearby Cornelian Street.

Two men were inside but refused to leave the car and, because of fears a gun may be present, firearms units attended and negotiated with the pair.

After three hours, they left the car and were arrested.

Three men aged 19, 25 and 29 from Blackburn were arrested on suspicion of affray and remain in police custody.

Witnesses described the incident as frightening and some said they no longer felt safe living in the area. Khadija Shaqumtala, who has lived on Cornelian Street for eight years with her husband, said: “I woke up and heard shouting outside.

“I looked out of the front window and saw three police cars.

“My husband was at work and didn’t believe me when I told him the next day.”

The 32-year-old said she was worried about the safety of her six children, including her 10-month-old baby.

She added: “I was frightened and did not know what to do. I can’t describe how scary it was.”

Meshal Faraj, who lives with his partner and young child on the same street, said the family-of-three are planning to move out.

The 36-year-old said: “We are going to move out in two months’ time because we don’t feel safe here.”

Detective Inspector Scott Waddington said: “We appreciate that the initial incident and subsequent stand-off will have caused concern amongst local residents.

“But I would like to reassure people that despite information being received, at this time we have found no trace of a firearm in the vehicle which was seized or the area.

“If you saw anything or have information that you think can help, please call us on 101, quoting incident reference LC-20190129-1377.”

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.