York pub 'gunman' charged and released on bail

North Yorkshire Police evacuated The Cross Keys in Goodramgate at just before 6pm on Friday, after a member of the public reported seeing a man with a firearm in the venue.

Armed officers attended the pub and arrested the 37-year-old man, and a spokesman said on Saturday that further enquiries showed the weapon involved was "a sporting air pistol, which uses compressed air to shoot pellets".

Inspector Jonathan Asvadi, of York Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We’d like to thank the members of the public who had the diligence to report this to the police. It was absolutely the right thing to do and we’d always encourage people who see anything suspicious, especially if it may involve a weapon, to report it to us immediately.

“After making further enquiries, we now know that this was an air pistol and we do not believe it was used in a threatening manner. However, clearly it caused alarm and a very rapid police response. When responding to reports such as this our first and foremost priority is to ensure the public stay safe at all times.”

Peter Green was in the pub with his son Andrew when it was evacuated, and said the incident was "not what we expected when we went out for a quiet pint". 

He said: "If you get told to evacuate in those circumstances, you do. It wasn't a mad rush for the door, it was very orderly.

"Everyone was very calm and seemed to be very matter of fact. There didn't seem to be any real concern, but I'm sure it would have been different if a shot had been fired. We just finished our drinks and went out, walked down the road and didn't hang around."

A spokesperson for the pub said they had been advised not to comment on the matter.

On Saturday evening, police confirmed the 37-year-old man - who is from the York area - has been charged with possessing an imitation firearm in a public place, namely a BB gun.

He has been released on bail and is due to appear in front of magistrates in York in April.