'Gunshot' at Luton court

Police hunt man after gunshot in Luton

Armed police have been searching Luton town centre after reports of a gunshot outside the crown court.

Security officers at the court reported hearing a gunshot outside the building, shortly after 1300 BST.

It is believed a gun was discharged into the air at the back of the building near the Crown Prosecution offices.

Police officers have been told by witnesses that a man had been seen running from the area with what looked like a hand gun tucked into his waist band.

No firearm found

A spokeswoman for Bedfordshire Police said: "Shortly after 1pm in the car park behind the court, which is used by Crown Prosecution Service staff, one shot was heard.

"We don't know whether it was connected in any way to the crown court or whether it was just an open space in which to fire a shot in the air."

Police were told that witnesses saw the man soon after the incident in the town's Arndale shopping centre and at a nearby disused car park.

He is described as Asian and wearing a light coloured top. Police have not recovered any firearm.