Helicopter deployed and armed police disable a youth after gun incident at a Banbury garage

Thames Valley Police sent for the armed response unit when three men appeared to be attempting a hold-up at the Esso Garage, Oxford Road yesterday (Sunday) afternoon.

The three were said to be quickly handcuffed and arrested. A weapon was recovered but confirmed to be unviable.

This morning (Monday) police tweeted: "A huge thank you to @JOU_ArmedPolice for their assistance with a report of a firearm being seen at the Esso Garage, Bodicote yesterday evening. Three males from the Banbury area have been arrested. The weapon has been recovered and thankfully confirmed not to be a viable firearm."

On Banburyshire Info social media site, onlookers reported that the incident had included a youth with a 'loaded gun'. One male was said to have been 'pinned on the floor' by the armed officers. Another described the scene as one with 'extensive police presence' and staff at the filling station were said to be shaken up.

“Thames Valley Police was called to Oxford Road at around 5.15pm yesterday (15/8) to a report of an individual with a weapon.

“Officers attended and three arrests were made.

“A 14-year-old boy from Banbury was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

“A 16-year-old boy from Banbury was arrested on suspicion of using threatening/abusive/insulting words/behaviour to cause harassment/alarm/distress.

“An 18-year-old man from Banbury was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and using threatening/abusive/insulting words/behaviour to cause harassment/alarm/distress.

“All three have been released on bail.

“An investigation is ongoing.”