Armed officers and a police helicopter are scouring East Bristol after a daylight shooting left a man in his twenties with life-changing injuries and prompted authorities to lock down three schools as a precautionary measure.
Avon and Somerset Police launched a manhunt following reports at 1.47pm on Tuesday that a firearm had been discharged at a vehicle on Speedwell Road in the Speedwell area, with the gunman remaining at large several hours after the attack.
The victim was airlifted to Southmead Hospital by emergency helicopter services before 2.30pm, where medical staff are treating serious injuries that officers have characterised as potentially life-altering though not believed to be fatal.
Chief Inspector James Clements confirmed significant resources have been mobilised to locate the shooter, including National Police Air Service helicopter support and specialist firearms teams combing the residential area.
“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,” he stated.
The shooting triggered immediate security protocols at three educational establishments in the vicinity, with pupils and staff confined to premises whilst armed response units swept surrounding streets for the suspect.
Chief Insp Clements warned residents should expect substantial police activity throughout coming days as investigators piece together circumstances surrounding the afternoon attack. “There is likely to be a significant police presence in the area over the coming days while our investigation continues,” he confirmed.
Neighbourhood policing teams will conduct enhanced patrols across affected communities, with officers instructed to engage residents expressing concerns about the incident or broader safety issues.
Armed response vehicles converged on Speedwell Road within minutes of the initial emergency call, cordoning off sections of the thoroughfare whilst paramedics administered emergency treatment to the wounded man before helicopter evacuation.
The brazen daylight shooting in a populated residential area has sent shockwaves through the East Bristol community, with the gunman’s escape raising immediate questions about public safety whilst schools remained in protective lockdown.
Police have not disclosed whether the attack was targeted or random, nor have they released descriptions of potential suspects being sought in connection with the firearms discharge.
Investigators are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from Speedwell Road during the relevant timeframe to contact authorities as the manhunt continues.
