Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Sunday 2nd March 2025, at 11:05hrs|Updated at 14:00hrs
Armed police swooped on the offending car following the reports
Panic gripped the tranquil Lytham Promenade yesterday afternoon after reports of a firearm being brandished from a moving vehicle sent shockwaves through the community.
At 4:12 PM, calls flooded into emergency services, painting a terrifying picture of a potential armed threat. Witnesses described seeing what appeared to be a gun being displayed from the window of a car cruising along the popular seafront.
Within minutes, Lancashire Police officers descended on the promenade, their blue lights flashing as they swiftly located the vehicle in question. A tense standoff ensued as officers conducted a thorough search of the car and its occupants.
The atmosphere was thick with apprehension, with bystanders watching on in disbelief and fear. However, after a meticulous examination, the officers discovered that the “firearm” was, in fact, a BB gun.
A collective sigh of relief swept through the scene as the realization dawned that the threat was not what it initially seemed.
While the incident proved to be a false alarm, it served as a stark reminder of the fear that the mere sight of a weapon can instill. Police confirmed that there was no wider threat to the public, and the occupants of the vehicle were given conduct warnings under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act.
A police spokesperson stated, “We understand the alarm that this incident caused. Public safety is our paramount concern, and we responded swiftly to the reports. While the item was a BB gun, actions of this nature will not be tolerated. We would like to thank the public for their vigilance and cooperation.”
Even though the event concluded without serious injury, the incident left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it. The promenade, usually a place of leisurely strolls and peaceful views, was briefly transformed into a scene of heightened tension and fear.
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