Armed police detain man as multiple shots fired on high street with public warned 'avoid the area'

The Police Service of Northern Ireland () has issued an update to the public after warning them to avoid High Street due to an ongoing 'incident', which terrifyingly saw multiple shots fired while people went about their evenings, Sunday (May 18).

A huge number of armed police responded to the incident, with marked and unmarked police vehicles seen rushing to the scene at high speed, unloading around 30 officers onto the High Street in County Antrim.

Videos of the tense standoff between the man and police immediately circulated on social media, showing officers shouting at the man to "put the gun down", as he stands inside the doorway of a local taxi firm's office.

At the same time, the public was urged to avoid the entire area while officers established a cordon, with further videos showing a bystander being escorted away from the incident by two armed police officers who bravely shielded him with their bodies.

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A cordon remains on Bangor's High Street while police carry out their investigation into the incident, with the public warned to continue to stay away from the area.

PSNI Ards and North Down said in an update at 12.30am, Monday (May 19): "A man has been detained by police in relation to the earlier incident in the High Street area of Bangor.

"Cordons remain in place as officers carry out investigative enquiries. We appreciate the public’s patience and ask that you still continue to avoid the area at this time."

Initial reports indicate that the suspect is receiving medical care after the standoff with police where it appears he told officers that he was a British Army veteran.

A local councillor, Pete Wray for the Ards Peninsula, said: “Male has been detained and the area is safe.

"It's been a challenging weekend for the PSNI in Ards and North Down, and I thank them for their service as always.”