Police release suspect details after reports of gunshot fired in Leighton Buzzard

Armed police officers were called to Grebe Way shortly before 3.30pm yesterday (November 4) and identified a vehicle believed to have been at the scene. The police gave chase – ending in a crash on Porz Avenue, Dunstable.

Greenleas School, Kestrel Way, went into lockdown until around 5pm, with students, parents and staff waiting "calmly and safely" inside the building. The school says the police "did not believe there to be a wider public safety issue".

Bedfordshire Police stated: "A pursuit ensued along the A505 when the car came to a stop in Porz Avenue, Dunstable after it collided with an unrelated vehicle - the driver of which was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

"Three occupants of the suspect vehicle fled the scene on foot.

"Two ran in the direction of the woodland near Nimbus Park.

"One was described as a black male with dreadlocks, wearing black clothing with white socks and black sliders.

"The third man ran in the direction of Lovett Way."

The community of Leighton Buzzard has been left shaken by the incident – while the Mayor of Leighton-Linslade, cllr Kevin Pughe, has expressed his "shock and concern".

A spokeswoman from Greenleas School, said: "On Wednesday, November 4, at Greenleas School Kestrel Way, children were leaving the building at the end of the day when the school was placed into lockdown and anybody still on the school site was brought back into the building.

"The police were called to investigate an incident close to the school site and advised the school to remain in lockdown until they gave the all clear which was at approximately 5pm.

"The children, staff and parents all waited calmly and safely inside the school building.

"The police were able to reassure us that they did not believe there to be a wider public safety issue. The school is receiving ongoing support from the police and other agencies in the coming days."

Detective Inspector Stephanie Garfitt from Bedfordshire Police’s Crime Investigation Department, said: “This was a shocking incident; the safety of the public is always our highest priority and we are following several lines of enquiry to find those involved.

“This incident happened in close proximity to a lower school, and as a precaution, the school carried out its safety procedures as a matter of course.

“This understandably adds to the concerns within the local community and we will maintain a high visibility presence while our investigation continues."

Speaking this morning, a concerned Leighton Buzzard parent claimed: "I have two children who walk across town to two different schools and are rightly looking to me for reassurance. I have nothing.

"They were briskly ushered home from school [yesterday] flanked by their friend’s parents – unusual behaviour as they would usually walk from school with friends."

This afternoon (November 5) Leighton Buzzard Community Policing Team stated: “Following the incident yesterday, officers have been carrying out reassurance patrols around Greenleas School.

"We understand that incidents of this nature can understandably cause concern for parents, pupils, staff and the wider community.

"Our patrols are intended to provide reassurace, offer an opportunity for residents and school staff to speak with officers, and ensure there is a visible police presence in the area.”

The force is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident – or has doorbell or dashcam footage of either of the activity in Leighton Buzzard or Dunstable to get in touch.

Mayor of Leighton-Linslade, cllr Pughe, who is also chair of the Community Safety Sub-Committee, said: “I’m absolutely shocked that we have something like this going on in Leighton Buzzard. It’s very, very unusual.

"I just hope that we’re not going to see more of this sort of thing.

"I will try to reinforce my positive views of Leighton Buzzard; a great town with lots of community organisations and decent people here helping each other out.

"I’d like to think that this is a one off incident.”

Anyone with information can contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Tanglewood, or you can report anonymously via CrimeStoppers: 0800 555 111.