Reaction to Oxford gunshots scare at two properties

On Monday afternoon (August 12) Thames Valley Police confirmed it is "investigating firearms incidents in Oxford" which are believed to be connected and targeted.

At around 4.30pm on Sunday (August 11) police received a report of a gunshot outside a property in Weymann Terrace.

The police cordon was in place outside the front of the property in Saunders Road.

Police said nobody was inside the property at the time and there were no injuries, and that there is "no threat to the wider public". 

Officers were then called to Warren Crescent, Headington, at around 1.30am on Monday following another report of a gunshot.

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Nobody sustained injuries.

Officers were at both scenes and are expected to remain there until tomorrow.

The Oxford Mail received reports of the incident in Cowley on Sunday evening. 

One eyewitness reported seeing men on a motorbike "open fire" at a house in Saunders Road.

Forensics at scene (Image: Newsquest) Another eyewitness reported seeing a "shooting by two people on a motorbike targeting a house".

One resident, who lives in Saunders Road and wishes to remain anonymous, said he was "shocked" to see the police presence on Monday morning. 

Another resident, who also asked to remain anonymous, told the Oxford Mail she heard a "loud bang" on Sunday afternoon which her and her husband at first thought was a motorbike backfiring.

She said armed police and forensics arrived following the noise. 

She added: "It's a bit worrying in your own street.

"I've been here a long time and never had any personal issues.

"I've never seen anything like this before outside the doorstep."

A police cordon at the scene (Image: Newsquest) Another local, also asking to remain anonymous added: "This road can be a bit rowdy, but it's not that bad.

"This seems extreme."

Deputy local policing area commander for Oxford, chief inspector Andrew O’Hanlon, said: “We believe these firearms incidents to be connected and targeted, with no threat to the wider public.

“I understand that this may be alarming but fortunately these incidents are extremely rare.

“There is an increased police presence in these areas so anyone with concerns can get in touch or speak to a uniformed officer.

“If you have any information on the incident at Weymann Terrace, please call 101 or report online, quoting reference number 43240384658.

READ MORE: Oxford: Police tape off Headington flats as forensics called

“If you have any information on the incident at Warren Crescent, please call 101 or report online, quoting reference number 43240385272.

“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council and city councillor for Churchill, has released a statement on behalf of herself, city councillor for Churchill Mark Lygo, and county councillor for Churchill and Lye Valley Liz Brighthouse. 

She said: "We know local residents will have been very alarmed and concerned about the incident in Warren Crescent last night.

"As councillors for the Churchill City Ward and County Division we have been in touch with the police and are reassured to hear that they believe there is no threat to the wider public from this incident and a related one at Weymann Terrace, but we will be continuing to monitor the situation.

Councillor Susan Brown (Image: Ed Nix)

"We would encourage local residents who have any concerns they would like to raise with us to get in touch.

"Please do contact Thames Valley Police if you have any information on the incident."