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Police manhunt in Widegates for 'armed' Derrel Weaver | Police manhunt in Widegates for 'armed' Derrel Weaver |
(35 minutes later) | |
Dozens of police officers are involved in an armed manhunt in Cornwall for a man who they fear might be carrying a gun. | Dozens of police officers are involved in an armed manhunt in Cornwall for a man who they fear might be carrying a gun. |
Derrel Weaver, of Higher Widlake Farm, Widegates, near Looe, has been missing since a "domestic" incident on Thursday night and is wanted by police. | Derrel Weaver, of Higher Widlake Farm, Widegates, near Looe, has been missing since a "domestic" incident on Thursday night and is wanted by police. |
Officers have advised people not to approach 60-year-old Mr Weaver. | Officers have advised people not to approach 60-year-old Mr Weaver. |
The nearby Trenode Church of England Primary School has been closed as a precaution, police said. | The nearby Trenode Church of England Primary School has been closed as a precaution, police said. |
'Elvis impersonator' | |
A police spokesman said the move was "for safety reasons and because of the ongoing police activity in that area". | A police spokesman said the move was "for safety reasons and because of the ongoing police activity in that area". |
At least 15 marked and unmarked police cars and vans are present in the village of Widegates. | At least 15 marked and unmarked police cars and vans are present in the village of Widegates. |
People have been warned to avoid the area and to report any suspicious activity. | People have been warned to avoid the area and to report any suspicious activity. |
Steve Davies, who knows Mr Weaver, said he was an Elvis impersonator and a motorbike enthusiast. | |
At the scene: Claire Jones, BBC News | At the scene: Claire Jones, BBC News |
With a helicopter whirring overhead and a large police presence, residents in this sleepy village have been left in a state of worry. | With a helicopter whirring overhead and a large police presence, residents in this sleepy village have been left in a state of worry. |
Residents are mainly concerned for the welfare of Derrel Weaver and that he is safe. | Residents are mainly concerned for the welfare of Derrel Weaver and that he is safe. |
A police cordon is in place closing the road leading to Mr Weaver's residential property, which is surrounded by fields. | A police cordon is in place closing the road leading to Mr Weaver's residential property, which is surrounded by fields. |
Armed officers are walking around and sniffer dogs are being used with about 15 police vehicles surrounding the area. | Armed officers are walking around and sniffer dogs are being used with about 15 police vehicles surrounding the area. |
Trenode Primary School is now completely empty and very quiet, much like the rest of the village away from the cordon. | Trenode Primary School is now completely empty and very quiet, much like the rest of the village away from the cordon. |
The message from the police is of reassurance, firstly to the residents and secondly to Mr Weaver. They say they are here to keep everyone safe. | The message from the police is of reassurance, firstly to the residents and secondly to Mr Weaver. They say they are here to keep everyone safe. |
Supt Jim Pearce said: "We would ask the public to be vigilant at what is obviously a disturbing time for local communities. | Supt Jim Pearce said: "We would ask the public to be vigilant at what is obviously a disturbing time for local communities. |
"If any member of the public sees Mr Weaver we would ask them to ring 999 and not to approach him. | "If any member of the public sees Mr Weaver we would ask them to ring 999 and not to approach him. |
"There are currently significant enquiries on going to locate Mr Weaver, and this includes the chance he may be in possession of a firearm. | "There are currently significant enquiries on going to locate Mr Weaver, and this includes the chance he may be in possession of a firearm. |
"There is currently no suggestion that Mr Weaver is any risk to members of the public, but we need to locate him as soon as possible." | "There is currently no suggestion that Mr Weaver is any risk to members of the public, but we need to locate him as soon as possible." |
A police spokeswoman said a "number of roads" had been closed and blocked off by police vehicles. | A police spokeswoman said a "number of roads" had been closed and blocked off by police vehicles. |
Firearms officers and dog units are at the scene, she added. | Firearms officers and dog units are at the scene, she added. |
The head teacher of Trenode Primary School made the decision to close it after speaking to the police. | The head teacher of Trenode Primary School made the decision to close it after speaking to the police. |
The school, which is near the villages of Widegates and Morval, has 75 pupils. | The school, which is near the villages of Widegates and Morval, has 75 pupils. |
Are you in the area? Do your children attend Trenode Church of England Primary School? Please share your comments with us. You can email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject line 'Trenode School'. | Are you in the area? Do your children attend Trenode Church of England Primary School? Please share your comments with us. You can email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject line 'Trenode School'. |