A teenager arrested on suspicion of the attempted murder of a 16-year-old was released on police bail last night (May 16).
Detectives questioned the 19-year-old over the shooting in Thricknells Close on Saturday, in which a teenager was shot in the back and left with “life-changing” injuries.
The suspect was stopped by armed police officers who were patrolling Marsh Farm on Wednesday, as part of the force’s response to increased threat of gun crime.
DCI Dave Quarmby from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit said: “While this arrest shows significant progress in relation to this incident we still need the people involved to put pen to paper in order that we can detect and bring to an end this increase in violence that the town is currently experiencing.
“By co-ordinating all the firearm related investigations in this way we continue to build better intelligence and information about who is carrying guns and intensify our resolve to arrest and bring to justice those involved. As you know, we will do this much more quickly if we have the support of our local community.”
Police say there are people who can provide vital information who have still not come forward to put their evidence on record.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Det Supt Hill said: “What is it you are scared of? If you have concerns for you and your family, then talk to us. We have measures we can put in place to address these fears and anxieties.
“Carrying a gun does not make you a man. Bigger men stand up and are counted.,, Stand up for what is right. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. When you find that courage, my office is waiting.
“If you don’t, when you look at yourself in the mirror, know it is your lack of action that is preventing your community from being a safer place.”
The Thricknells Close shooting victim remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital, but it sitting up and talking with detectives, family and friends.
Armed officers, members of the Dog Unit together with members of the local policing team for Marsh Farm and Lewsey Farm are continuing to proactively patrol the areas; reassuring the public and ensuring offenders who carry guns or weapons in public are stopped and arrested.
If you have information that can help call Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.