POLICE have issued a statement today after reports of several “loud bangs” were heard in a wooded area near Harrogate.

The incident happened at 5pm yesterday (Friday, May 20) when officers were called to reports of several “loud bangs” in the Pinewoods area of the town.

Officers immediately attended the scene and carried out extensive searches of the area.

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Specialists resources as well as a firearms support unit and police helicopter were brought in to assist.

Further enquiries were made with members of the public who made the initial reports, which confirmed there had been no sighting of anyone carrying a weapon.

Police say they concluded their search at just before 7.30pm and no individuals in possession of a weapon were identified.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “We would like to thank the members of the public that made the initial report as we believe this was made with good intent.

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“We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously. The significant police presence was put in place to enable us to search a large area and safely conclude the incident.”

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