Armed police lockdown street in Sandown following dramatic Isle of Wight raid
Armed officers swooped on a quiet Sandown street this afternoon, sealing off Dowsview Road after a tense stand-off lasting nearly three hours. Two suspects – a man and a woman – were arrested, and three weapons, including a handgun, were recovered from a local property.
Armed police respond after emergency calls
Just after 3pm on Friday, multiple calls triggered a rapid armed police response. Officers cordoned off the junction of Dowsview Road, instructing residents to stay indoors while they handled the situation.
“There were a lot of officers, some with guns and others with shields. They wore black helmets and goggles,” said a shocked local.
The operation was carried out without any exchange of fire. Police eventually moved in just before 7pm and arrested a man and a woman from a two-bedroom house.
Weapons seized after careful search
Armed officers secured two air rifles and, after a thorough search, made a small handgun safe. These weapons have since been taken into police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
Suspects held on firearm and drug charges
- A 44-year-old man from Godshill was arrested for possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
- A 47-year-old woman from the same property was arrested on suspicion of supplying a Class B drug.
Both remain in custody at Newport Police Station for questioning.
Emergency services on alert but no injuries reported
Paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service were called to stand by during the incident, with rapid response units and an ambulance on the scene. However, no medical treatment was needed, and they were stood down once the situation was resolved.
One resident, forced to stay indoors, told of being turned away after stepping out to grab some shopping. The dramatic police presence saw officers positioned behind parked cars and even at a child’s bedroom window during the siege.
Forensic teams continue to comb through the property looking for further evidence.
