POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a shotgun was fired near members of the public on farm land.

Following new lines of enquiry Cumbria Police is appealing for information in relation to an incident where a shotgun is reported to have been discharged.

Police were contacted on December 31 to the report of an incident where a shotgun is believed to have been discharged on farming land in the area of Crook Wheel, Flookburgh, when members of the public were in close proximity.

According to officers, there was no perceived threat to the wider public.

A 60-year-old man from the area was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause provocation of violence. He has since been released under investigation.

A force spokesman said: “Police are appealing for witnesses who may have been in the area.

“Police are especially keen to speak to a family with children that were reported as being near where the incident took place.

“Anyone who witnessed this incident, or anyone that was in the area between 1pm and 3.30pm is asked to contact police.

“Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit , quoting incident number 144 of the 31st December 2021. You can also phone on 101.

“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”