“I am greatly relieved that the major firearms incident in Bangor’s High Street has now been safely brought to a conclusion. It is a huge relief that no one was harmed, and I commend the PSNI for their swift and professional response.
The restraint and composure shown by police officers in such a dangerous and unpredictable situation is to be highly praised. Thanks to their actions, the individual involved was safely detained without injury, and I am grateful to all those in the emergency services who helped ensure public safety.
It has been reported that the individual involved identified as a veteran and was displaying signs of serious mental health distress. This deeply concerning situation highlights the urgent need for improved mental health services, particularly for those who have served our country and may be struggling with the invisible wounds of their experiences.
We must do more to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the support and intervention they need before situations escalate to this level. I will be seeking further information on this incident and engaging with relevant agencies to explore what more can be done to support mental health provision, especially for our veterans.
I also want to thank the public for their cooperation during the incident and for following PSNI advice to avoid the area. Bangor is a resilient and supportive community, and I know we will rally around those affected.
My thoughts remain with everyone impacted by today’s events, and I will continue to monitor developments closely.”
Alex Easton MP
Member of Parliament for North Down
