Manhunt launched for gunman after shots fired at car as schools locked down

Police say the suspect fled the scene in Speedwell on a black and grey electric bike
Police have launched a manhunt in Bristol after a man suffered potentially life-changing injury in a shooting at a car in Bristol.

The incident in Speedwell has resulted in heavy police presence and three schools declaring a lockdown.

Avon and Somerset Police said armed officers arrived at the scene in Speedwell Road at 1.47pm, where the victim, in his 20s, was found and taken to hospital with a serious injury.

No other injuries have been reported.

The force said it was looking to identify the shooter, said to have left the area on a black and grey electric bike in the direction of Soundwell.

He was described as white, aged in his late teens or early twenties, of slim build, and about 6ft tall.

He was wearing a grey hoodie, black trousers, and a balaclava.

Amid a heavy police presence in the area, which is four miles north east of Bristol city centre, four schools took the decision to impose a lockdown as a precaution.

They are Bristol Brunel Academy, Two Mile Hill Primary and Chester Park Infant and Junior schools.

In a letter sent to parents, Bristol Brunel Academy said “we have been advised by police to remain in lockdown due to the incident in the local community”, according to Bristol Live .

At the nearby pub, called the Wackum Inn, the team leader told The Independent she first heard about the incident when two police officers came to ask to see the CCTV.

“Unfortunately the CCTV didn’t pick anything up of the people involved, but I pointed the officers in the way of two groups in the pub who had heard the bang,” said the woman, who did not wish to be named.

“They didn’t think anything of it and carried on when they heard it, so were surprised to hear what had happened.

Everyone here is safe and we’ve been having our usual customers come in despite the road closure nearby.”
Chief Inspector James Clements said: “I know this incident will be incredibly concerning, however we are deploying significant resources, including a National Police Air Service helicopter and our specially-trained firearms officers, as we work to locate the person responsible.

“The victim has been taken to hospital where he is being treated for an injury that’s potentially life-changing, but not believed to be life-threatening.

His family have been informed and will be kept updated as our investigation progresses.

“There is likely to be a significant police presence in the area over the coming days while our investigation continues.

Neighbourhood officers will also be carrying out extra patrols and anyone with any concerns can speak with them about these.”