Streets in Inverness have been locked down this afternoon following a “disturbance” in the city-centre – with police urging the public to stay away.
Armed officers and negotiators are currently surrounding a property at Kenneth Street.
Numerous vehicles from police, fire and ambulance are in attendance at Kenneth Street, Muirtown Street and Ross Avenue, with the entire area cordoned off.
At the scene, police negotiators could be clearly heard asking a man inside the property to “put the gun down”.
Their efforts are ongoing.
Emergency services said they were alerted to an incident at around 11.50am this morning.
A window at the property in question has been shattered and while it’s unclear what has caused the damage, one local resident insisted that a “weapon was discharged” earlier today.
Another claimed they heard a “gunshot”.
Police later confirmed they are dealing with a “concern for person” call.
Crowds of people who had gathered have also been moved back by officers due to safety concerns.
It’s also understood gas and electricity has been switched off in the whole area.
A police spokesperson said: “Around 11.50am on Thursday, 9 May, 2024, we were called to a report of a disturbance in the Muirtown Street area of Inverness.
“Emergency services are in attendance.
“Please avoid the area mean time.”
A spokesman for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service added that crews are assisting police officers at the scene.
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 12:08 to attend an incident in the Muirtown Street area of Inverness. An ambulance and two special operations response teams (SORT) were dispatched to the scene.”
‘Flooded with emergency vehicles’
One onlooker told The P&J: “Kenneth Street is looking like something really big is happening. It looks like a major incident.
“Fire, police and others are on the street.
“It was all quiet one minute, and the next the place was flooded with emergency vehicles.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 12:08 to attend an incident in the Muirtown Street area of Inverness. An ambulance and two special operations response teams (SORT) were dispatched to the scene.”
Our reporters are working to bring you the latest updates on this developing story.
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