Update: Police confirm Farr firearms concern 'a false call with good intent'
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Police Scotland have confirmed that fears a gunman was on the loose near Farr south of Inverness was "a false call with good intent."
Firearm units were deployed to the area about eight miles south of the city amid reports of an armed individual in the vicinity.
They were responding to a single report of an "armed individual" with “long, shaggy hair and dark trousers.”
Officers went door to door asking residents if they have seen anyone answering that description as well as Farr Primary School.
But police have now confirmed that it was an honest mistake with good intent having made further enquiries.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.35am on Tuesday, 25 April 2023, police were called to a report of a man carrying what was believed to be a firearm in Farr, near Inverness.
"Officers attended and enquiries were carried out. This was found to be a false call with good intent."
Alarm – how the incident unfolded
A call was made to police about a supposedly armed man at 11.35am, sparking a major deployment.
The incident caused alarm locally with a number of people expressing concern at the number of police units in the normally placid rural area.
Officers proceeded to check in with the school where it is believed pupils were kept inside over lunch as a precaution.
The school wrote on its blog: “Following a safety concern in the local community, we have just had a visit from the Police and have been assured that there is no risk at present for our school and community."
A Highland Council spokeswoman added: "I’ve spoken with the school and can confirm that Police Scotland Officers visited and reassured Farr Primary School that there is no risk at present to the school and wider community. School day will end as normal."
Police continued to make enquiries but were able to confirm at around 8.30pm that the initial single call was "false" though was made honestly.
