Five teenagers arrested after firearm spotted near Coventry College

Police were called to Sandwell street after a firearm was spotted Credit: @WasAcop on X / Google Maps

Five teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of firearms offences in Coventry.

Armed officers were called to Swanswell Street near Coventry College at around 12.40 pm.

Two 18-year-old men, two 17-year-old boys, along with a 16-year-old boy were arrested.

All five have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Coventry College went into lockdown when the firearm was reportedly seen. The college quickly reopened and has returned to normal operations.

Officers also recovered an imitation firearm and increased patrols in the area this evening.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “We arrested five teenagers on suspicion of firearm offences in Coventry city centre.

"Armed officers attended Swanswell Street at around 12.40pm yesterday (October 20) after a firearm was seen.

"Two 18-year-old men, two boys aged 17 and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

"An imitation firearm was also recovered by officers.

"The teenagers have been released on police bail as enquiries continue.

"We understand this will cause concern in the community, and we have extra officers patrolling the area to reassurance."

Coventry College's Vice Principal, Gemma Knott said: "Yesterday (October 20), as a precaution, the College enacted its lockdown procedures following an incident reported in the immediate vicinity of the campus.

"The safety of our students, staff and visitors is always our foremost concern. Once we became aware of the situation, we acted quickly in accordance with our emergency procedures and remained in close contact with the emergency services throughout.

"The lockdown was quickly lifted, and the campus has returned to normal operations. We are grateful to our students and colleagues for the calm and professional manner in which they responded.

"We are unable to provide further comments at this stage as it is now a police matter."

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