ARMED police swooped on a Gwent High Street after a man was spotted brandishing a rifle and shooting at cars.

Officers then followed the man to an address in St Mellons where there was an armed stand-off, ending with the man's arrest.

The 49-year-old man, believed to be a keen rabbit hunter who suffers from mental health problems, was linked to a late-night incident among family members in the Gwent Valleys, where a car was fired at.

An armed response unit was then sent to High Street, Fleur-de-Lys, follwing reports of a man brandishing a gun at around 8.10am on Saturday.

Gwent Police Inspector Huw Nicholas said: "A passer-by noticed a man in the street with a rifle or shotgun.

"We sent armed officers to search for the man, but there was no trace of him.

"It appears it was linked to an incident in the early hours of the morning which involved criminal damage to a motor vehicle in the same location.

"It is believed the criminal damage was caused by an air weapon of some description."

The man then drove in his 4x4 to a friend's house in St Mellons.

She realised he had a weapon and had mental health issues and contacted police, who told her to keep him talking until they arrived.

Neighbours described an armed stand-off in the quiet close, with police and dogs, before the man came out and gave himself up.

  • A man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with the incidents. He has since been released on police bail.