ARMED police descended on Orford after a gunman was seen firing shots near to a pub.

Cheshire Police were called to Greenwood Crescent at shortly after 4.30pm yesterday, Thursday, after receiving reports that a firearm had been discharged near to the Greenwood pub.

The gunman was seen being chased by two other males riding bicycles.

Armed officers attended the scene and made a ‘thorough’ search of the area, but no offenders were traced.

No injuries have been reported and police believe it to be an isolated incident, and are attempting to establish if the firearm was a genuine weapon.

The man with the gun is described as being white and in his late 30s with long, brown, scruffy hair and wearing hi-vis orange trousers and a grey t-shirt.

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Both men on bikes were also white – one having a stocky build, a bald heading and wearing a blue puffa jacket and the other having short, dark hair.

Chief inspector Simon Meegan said: “We have launched an investigation following reports of a small firearm having been discharged in a public place during daylight hours.

“This has understandably caused concern in the local area, and I want to reassure Warrington residents that we are taking this extremely seriously.

“We are doing everything we can to establish exactly what has taken place.

“At the current time this appears to be an isolated incident.

“There have been no reports of any injuries in relation to the incident and enquiries are ongoing to establish whether it was a genuine firearm or not.

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“We have stepped up patrols in the area to provide reassurance, and as part of our enquiries we are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area and witnessed anything that may be relevant to the investigation.

“We also want to hear from anyone who believes they may know who any of the males involved in the incident are or have CCTV or dashcam footage of them.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML 317477, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.