Luton Shooting: Arrests
6 September 2013, 11:09 | Updated: 6 September 2013, 11:48
Two people have been arrested after shots were fired at a house in Luton just after a mum had put her children to bed inside.
The shooting happened in Devon Road at 9pm on Wednesday 4 September 2013. Voices were heard, followed by the sound of a shotgun being fired. Two men were seen getting away on a motorbike towards Crawley Green Road.
Police said they thought the house was deliberately targeted in the shooting.
Officers carried out four searches on the morning of Friday 6 September 2013 at various locations across Luton. These were in Briar Close, The Drummonds (Dunstable Road), Tower Court (Tower Road) and The Magpies.
A 21 year old man and 17 year old boy were both arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, conspiracy to cause criminal damage and affray.
Detective Inspector Iain Morgan, said: “Following the incident which took place in Devon Road we received some very important information from witnesses and members of the community which enabled us to execute these warrants this morning and make two arrests.
“I continue to appeal to anyone who has information about the offence that took place in Devon Road or from anyone who was in or near the area at the time and recalls hearing or seeing a motorcycle or the offenders before or after the offence.
“All information given to the police is used and kept confidentially, so if anyone has information that can help in the fight against those who are involved in gun crime, I would encourage them to speak to officers now.”
This shooting is not believed to be linked to ten others there have been in Luton during 2013, and it is being dealt with separately.
Bedfordshire Police say an operation launched in response to this year's spate of gun crime has seen 63 people arrested, 55 search warrants executed and 27 firearms recovered. Police have also carried out 231 overt patrol stop-checks and charged four people with firearm and weapon offences. A further 12 people are currently on bail for similar offences.
Anyone with information about gun crime can contact Bedfordshire Police detectives on the direct confidential reporting line 01582 394281, or use the 24 hour non-emergency number 101.
You can also text Bedfordshire Police force control direct on 07786 200011 or contact the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. Up to £2000 worth of reward money is available for information about gun crime in Luton.