Firearms officers investigate Kirkwall incident

Police have confirmed that a specialist crew of armed officers was flown into Kirkwall yesterday, after reports of a man carrying what was described as a firearm.

It was reported earlier today that enquiries were continuing into reports of concerning behaviour being exhibited by a man in the Willow Road area.

In an updated statement this afternoon, Orkney police commander Ali Garrow said: “Around 7.15 pm on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, a report was made to police about a man carrying what was described as a firearm in the Papdale area of Kirkwall.  The item was not brandished in any way and there have been no further reports of any incidents involving a firearm.

“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. Enquiries into the incident are continuing today.

“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.”