Helicopter deployed after reports of person being shot in Melton park

Police are investigating after there were reports of a shooting and shots being heard in Melton last night.

Leicestershire Police sent armed officers and the National Police Air Service (NAPS) sent the Police Helicopter which could be seen and heard circling over Melton Town centre yesterday evening.

Multiple police vehicles were seen in and around Melton Park while the incident was ongoing.

Police pictured in Melton Park last night during the incident. Photo: NEMM

A Leicestershire Police Spokesperson said: "At around 8.30pm yesterday (Thursday 4 April) a report was received that gunshots had been heard and people had been shot in Melton Park in Burton Road."

In the interest of public safety, armed officers were deployed. However it was established this was a hoax call.

The caller has been identified and enquiries are continuing."

A post on Melton Police's Facebook page added: "There was an increased police presence in Melton Mowbray last night. This is in response to what is now believed to be hoax phone calls. We are currently investigating this further."

Misuse of 999 and hoax calls are a criminal offence.  You could face a maximum penalty of up to six months in prison or a fine of £5,000.