Devon and Cornwall Police hunt for man who may be armed UPDATE

Devon and Cornwall Police have warned the public to be on the lookout for a man who may be armed.

Concerned officers have released an image of Derrel Weaver who is wanted in connection with a domestic incident (see update below).

If any member of the public sees Mr Weaver they are being asked not approach him, but call 999 immediately.

A spokesman said: "It is currently unclear whether Mr Weaver may be armed, but this is a possibility. We would reassure Mr Weaver that police are not pre-judging any actions, but would like to speak to him as soon as possible."

Police were initailly called to a domestic incident allegedly involving Mr Weaver, 60, from Higher Widlake Farm, Widegates at the farm at around 9.30pm on Thursday, June 26, 2014.

There remains a high police presence in the Widegates and wider Looe area which involves firearms officers and trained local officers.

Superintendent Jim Pearce said: “We would ask the public to be vigilant at what is obviously a disturbing time for local communities.

“If any member of the public sees Mr Weaver we would ask them to ring 999 and not to approach him.

“There is currently significant enquiries on going to locate Mr Weaver and this includes the chance he may be in possession of a firearm.

“There is currently no suggestion that Mr Weaver is any risk to members of the public, but we need to locate him as soon as possible.

“There is already extensive work on going to contact and speak to Mr Weaver by trained police co-ordinators and this also remains on going.

Supt Pearce added: “Police are aware of this and are doing everything possible to maintain the safety of the community, but we would ask all local people to be patient at what is obviously a disruptive time.

“There is a large number of police experts specifically trained for incidents like this currently involved in the operation.”

Trenode Church of England Primary School was closed in consultation with the head teacher earlier this morning (Friday 27 June).

The school is expected to remain closed for most of the day. No other schools are currently affected.

A spokesperson said: “We do understand that this will cause some significant inconvenience for some parents and local residents and this decision was not taken lightly but public safety is our most important concern of the school and police.”

UPDATE:

Police remain concerned for is welfare.

Police have searched a number of properties in, around and neighbouring Higher Widlake Farm and those searches continue.

Officers still believe Derrel is likely to be in the area close to Widegates and his home address, but his exact location remains unknown.

Superintendent Jim Pearce said: “We do not believe that Derrel has planned for this and so we would like to reassure him that this can be resolved safely and would urge him to make contact with us as soon as he is able.

"We are trying to make contact with Derrel so that we can understand why this has happened today

“Our paramount concern is to resolve the incident as safely as possible to all concerned.”