An MLA has said PSNI officers fired ‘warning shots’ which was the ‘appropriate thing to do’
On Sunday just before 9.30pm, it was reported that a man with a gun was at a High Street business.
Videos posted to social media show PSNI armed response officers approach a man with weapons drawn.
The specialist officers can be heard shouting to the man in a taxi company’s doorway to drop a gun.
In one of the videos the man appeared to identify himself as a veteran who had served tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.
What sounded like several gunshots were reported and recorded, but it later emerged that they had all been fired by police officers.
A police spokesperson said: “Following a public safety operation, involving specialist officers, one man aged in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
“Shots were fired by these specialist teams and, as is normal procedure, the office of the Police Ombudsman has been informed.
“No one was injured by these shots.”
Police have since been praised for their work in detaining the man.
The PSNI cordons have now been reduced in the High Street area as police carry out an investigation.
Independent MP Alex Easton said it was a “huge relief that no-one was harmed” and commended the PSNI for “their swift and professional response”.
“The restraint and composure shown by police officers in such a dangerous and unpredictable situation is to be highly praised,” said Mr Easton.
“Thanks to their actions, the individual involved was safely detained without injury, and I am grateful to all those in the emergency services who helped ensure public safety.”
The North Down MP added that the situation “highlights the urgent need” for improved mental health services “particularly for those who have served our country and may be struggling with invisible wounds”.
Firearms teams and forensics at the scene of a firearms incident in the High Street area of Bangor with inset ion May 18th 2025 (Photos by Kevin Scott)
Forensic teams deal with major firearms incident in Bangor
Mr Easton added: “We must do more to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the support and intervention they need before situations escalate to this level.
“I will be seeking further information on this incident and engaging with relevant agencies to explore what more can be done to support mental health provision, especially for our veterans.”
Mr Easton thanked the public for their cooperation adding: “Bangor is a resilient and supportive community, and I know we will rally around those affected.
“My thoughts remain with everyone impacted by today’s events, and I will continue to monitor developments closely.”
Alliance MLA Connie Egan told Radio Ulster: “My understanding is the shots fired were PSNI warning shots, which is the appropriate thing to do in that situation. There was nobody injured by any gunshots last night, which I think we can all be relieved about.”
Around 25 heavily armed officers were at the scene of the incident.
Some members of the public were evacuated from nearby buildings by police officers who had pistols drawn.
Forensic teams at the scene of a firearms incident in the High Street area of Bangor on May 18th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
North Down MLA Stephen Dunne also praised the PSNI response but urged the public not to share videos of the incident online.
Mr Dunne said: “I know this incident will have caused alarm for many in the area, and I urge the public to allow the police the time and space to carry out a full investigation. It is vital that we support our police service as they work to keep our communities safe.
“I would urge anyone circulating videos of this incident online to cease doing so given that they are likely to contain images of a vulnerable individual.
“I have received assurances that there were no injuries related to the incident, and whilst one individual was detained, they then received care from the Ambulance Service.”
The DUP MLA added that his thoughts were with those affected and adding that he was working ensure support was made available to those who need it.
UUP councillor Pete Wray confirmed that the armed male was detained and was then attended to by the Ambulance Service.
“Male has been detained and the area is safe,” Mr Wray said. “It’s been a challenging weekend for the PSNI in Ards and North Down, and I thank them for their service as always.”
Ms Egan, an MLA for North Down, added that it is not “appropriate” to share videos currently circulating on social media.
“Last night was an incredibly concerning incident,” she said. “A lot of people have seen (the videos) and are very distressed by them. They’re not an easy watch.
Forensic teams at the scene of a firearms incident in the High Street area of Bangor on May 18th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
“Nobody wants to see guns on our streets or incidents like this. It was an incredibly difficult situation. I thank the PSNI for how they’ve handled this.
“Ultimately the situation was diffused and there were no injuries to any member of the public. However, lots of people will be very anxious and concerned about this.
“It’s an incredibly delicate situation in which the police have to balance the safety of the public with the safety of the individual involved while also the potential of firearms involved.
“Lots of people were very anxious about what was unfolding and were extremely concerned.”