Two people arrested after police hoax call

Two people have been arrested after armed police burst into a home following a "hoax call."

Gwent Police said it had received a call where there was a serious threat and risk to life.

Officers stormed into a home in Beatty Road, Ringland in Newport shortly after 21:00 on 29 March but following enquiries it said it had been the victim of a "hoax call".

A 23-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man, both from the Newport area, have been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and released on police bail pending further enquiries.

A friend of the resident whose home was raided said they were sitting at home, in the bedroom, watching TV when they heard "a big bang".

"I think they thought it was bad weather at first but the police had raided the house.

There was about 40 police in masks and all they could see was their lips."

Chief inspector Martin Cawley said the force had received a call "where there was a serious threat and risk to life".

"Due to the nature of what we believed to be a genuine call, in order to protect the potential victims, officers, including firearms, went to an address on Beatty Road, Ringland."

He added that every call the force receives is "risk assessed and the public rightly expect us to respond".

"When police are diverted to hoax calls it prevents us from responding to genuine calls from the public who need our help."

The force also confirmed it has received a complaint regarding its attendance which was being looked at and said it would be "inappropriate to comment further at this time".

It was understood the occupant had not returned to their home since the incident.

Housing association Hedyn, formerly Newport City Homes, confirmed it had repaired damage to the property.

A spokesperson said: "We are working with the resident at Beatty Road and have completed the necessary repairs. We will offer our continued advice and support as needed."