Published: Friday, 9th May, 2008 9:05am

Families in fear as gun drama unfolds

by Aamina Masud

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A GUNMAN forced a community to live in fear for 12 hours while on the run from police.

Officers were inundated with calls from worried locals about a man allegedly threatening a bus driver and passersby with a small firearm around Bower Way, Cippenham, on Tuesday afternoon.

Police arrested a 42-year-old at 3am on Wednesday from an address in Cippenham in connection with the incident. He is now under police guard in hospital.

All Cippenham schools were also warned to remain indoors for over an hour as the drama unfolded, shortly before 3pm on Tuesday. Teary-eyed parents waited anxiously for their children's safe return.

Resident Kanta Koria, 46, of Bower Way, said: "I can't believe something like this happened on our street. I do dread to think what could have happened especially because I have a grandchild and children who are always going in and out."

Bower Way and surrounding roads were cordoned off while armed response units, officers and a police helicopter joined the search.

Westgate pupil Hibaaq Gaas, 15, said: "A few girls did panic because you think this sort of stuff never happens here. I tried to stay calm and kept telling myself nothing can happen to me if I am at school."

Her dad, Ali, added: "When my kids didn't come home I went rushing down to the school. Then when I saw police cars everywhere I thought the worst - it's every

parent's nightmare."

The man, who was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and threats to kill, has not been quizzed by police because he is deemed to be ‘unfit'.

His 72-hour observation at hospital is due to come to an end today (Friday) but officers are hoping to detain him further.

Det Insp Steve Armstead, who is leading the investigation, said: "Clearly the incident was distressing for those involved and worrying for the wider community of Slough, but I would like to reassure the public that a detailed investigation is underway."

A 48-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and was later released without charge.