Geezah
05-26-2006, 12:22 PM
ARMED police officers surrounded a car and arrested three men after a chase through Battle.
Seven unmarked Metropolitan Police cars 'boxed in' the white Ford Escort, bringing it to a stop outside the Nationwide bank at the top of the High Street.
One shot was fired accidentally by an officer, but no-one was injured by the bullet.
Sussex Police has launched an investigation into the shooting with the Metropolitan Police Directorate of Professional Standards.
Staff in the Nationwide were ordered to remain inside the building and the whole area was declared a crime scene.
Joe Cruttenden, one of those who saw the incident through a top window at the building society, said:"It's absolutely crazy, we just don't know what's going on. It's like down-town New York outside.
"For something like this to happen in a quiet place like Battle seems unreal.
"Seven or eight unmarked police cars boxed in this white Escort, and about 20 armed Metropolitan police officers in baseball caps jumped out and started waving their guns around.
"Then they pulled three blokes out of the Escort. One was taken away with what looked like a serious head injury. He hit his head when the car was stopped, because the Escort crashed into one of the police cars.
"One poor woman who had nothing to do with the incident was ordered to stay inside her car until she could be interviewed and the area has been completely sealed off.
"We also saw the police taking away bundles of cash in a see-through evidence bag."
Spencer Clarke, a cleaner who has lived in Battle his whole life, also saw the aftermath of the incident.
He said: "I have never seen anything like this before. It's quite a shock. Usually we just get minor incidents and petty crime here."
A spokesman from the police said the three men had been arrested by the Metropolitan Police as part of an ongoing investigation.
The High Street remained closed while enquries continued on Thursday.
Chief Superintendent Nick Wilkinson, East Sussex Divisional Commander, said: "I would like to reassure the local community that this is a rare occurrence in Battle.
"Local officers, including police community support officers, will be highly visible in the area to provide ongoing reassurance."
Link (http://www.hastingstoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=479&ArticleID=1525348)
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Seven unmarked Metropolitan Police cars 'boxed in' the white Ford Escort, bringing it to a stop outside the Nationwide bank at the top of the High Street.
One shot was fired accidentally by an officer, but no-one was injured by the bullet.
Sussex Police has launched an investigation into the shooting with the Metropolitan Police Directorate of Professional Standards.
Staff in the Nationwide were ordered to remain inside the building and the whole area was declared a crime scene.
Joe Cruttenden, one of those who saw the incident through a top window at the building society, said:"It's absolutely crazy, we just don't know what's going on. It's like down-town New York outside.
"For something like this to happen in a quiet place like Battle seems unreal.
"Seven or eight unmarked police cars boxed in this white Escort, and about 20 armed Metropolitan police officers in baseball caps jumped out and started waving their guns around.
"Then they pulled three blokes out of the Escort. One was taken away with what looked like a serious head injury. He hit his head when the car was stopped, because the Escort crashed into one of the police cars.
"One poor woman who had nothing to do with the incident was ordered to stay inside her car until she could be interviewed and the area has been completely sealed off.
"We also saw the police taking away bundles of cash in a see-through evidence bag."
Spencer Clarke, a cleaner who has lived in Battle his whole life, also saw the aftermath of the incident.
He said: "I have never seen anything like this before. It's quite a shock. Usually we just get minor incidents and petty crime here."
A spokesman from the police said the three men had been arrested by the Metropolitan Police as part of an ongoing investigation.
The High Street remained closed while enquries continued on Thursday.
Chief Superintendent Nick Wilkinson, East Sussex Divisional Commander, said: "I would like to reassure the local community that this is a rare occurrence in Battle.
"Local officers, including police community support officers, will be highly visible in the area to provide ongoing reassurance."
Link (http://www.hastingstoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=479&ArticleID=1525348)
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