ARMED officers were called following a large scale disturbance involving about 20 people where shots were believed to have been fired in a Cheshire town.

At 12.30pm on Monday, August 3, police received a number of reports of an incident on Factory Lane, Widnes.

Local officers, supported by armed police, were deployed to the scene and on arrival they found that there had been a dispute involving about 20 people.

Shots are believed to have been fired during the incident although there were no reports of any injuries.

Chief Inspector Catherine Prichard said: “This investigation is in its early stages and we’re currently following a number of lines of enquiry.

“I’d like to reassure the local community that, from our initial investigation, we are confident this is an isolated incident.

“As part of our enquiries we’re keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information which may aid our investigation.

“We’d specifically like to hear from anyone who was driving in the Factory Lane and Derby Road area around the time of the incident and may have any dashcam footage. The same goes for any nearby residents with CCTV footage which may assist our enquiries.

“We have increased patrols in the area and I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer.”

Anyone with information or footage that may be relevant to the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 77066, give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Two men, age 32 and 33, have been arrested on suspicion of affray and attempted murder in connection with the incident; they remain in custody at this time.