Further arrest in linked gunshot cases probe

News imageBBC Four police officers by two police cars next to a police cordon BBC
A shooting took place in Newbold Verdon less than an hour after an incident in Glenfield

Police have made a further arrest as part of an investigation into three reports of gunshots across Leicestershire.

Leicestershire Police confirmed on Friday it was linking reports of gunshots heard in Braunstone on 2 June, and in the villages of Newbold Verdon and Glenfield on 9 June.

A man and two women were previously arrested as part of the investigation. The man has been released on police bail pending further inquiries while the women have been released under investigation.

Officers arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life on Monday, the force said. He has since been released on police bail while inquiries continue.

Police were first called to reports of a gunshot in Cort Crescent, Braunstone, just before 22:30 BST on 2 June.

Gunshots were heard in Station Road, Glenfield, at about 21:50 on 9 June, but were not reported at the time.

Less than an hour later, shortly before 22:40, officers were called to reports of gunshots in Brascote Lane, Newbold Verdon.

News imageGoogle A map of where gunshots have been heardGoogle
Police are investigating reports of gunshots in these three areas

Damage was caused to properties in all three incidents consistent with a firearms discharge, and a car was damaged in Newbold Verdon. No-one was injured.

Police previously said all three offences were believed to have been targeted at, and carried out by, "individuals known to each other as part of an ongoing dispute".

A 40-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Two women, 34 and 36, were arrested on suspicion of assisting and offender and released under investigation.

In an update on Tuesday, police said the 34-year-old woman had been further arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.

She has been released on police bail while inquiries continue, the force added.

Det Insp Louise Rooke said the force was treating the gunshot reports "very seriously" and appealed for anyone with any information to come forward.

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