Plymouth has been the center of attention this week as multiple police incidents have led to significant road closures and disruptions across the city. On December 17, armed police responded to reports of gunfire, among other emergencies, causing widespread concern.
Early on the morning of December 17, reports emerged of a man being shot with an air rifle on North Hill, prompting swift action from the authorities. Devon and Cornwall Police dispatched armed response units to the scene shortly after 5:45 AM following emergency calls detailing the incident. Police confirmed the victim had sustained a chest injury but emphasized his condition was not life-threatening. The area was quickly cordoned off as officers began to search for the suspect.
“Police were called to North Hill, Plymouth, at around 5:45 AM on Tuesday, December 17 following reports of a man being shot to the chest by air rifle,” stated the local police force. During the search for the shooter, North Hill was closed to all traffic, with significant diversions implemented. Locals and commuters quickly realized their morning routines would be disrupted, especially school buses for Plymouth High School for Girls, which had to divert to alternate routes.
For residents, this was not the only police presence being reported. Just minutes before the North Hill incident, around 5:50 AM, Ivybridge experienced its own troubles with Western Road being closed due to another police incident. Officers responded to concerns for welfare at around 3 AM at St John’s Road, leading to the closure of the road between the A38 and Fore Street. Traffic monitoring service, INRX, noted no exit eastbound off the A38, causing major delays and frustrations for morning commuters.
The situation on Western Road persisted for much of the morning, leaving drivers seeking alternative routes as police remained at the scene. Ivybridge residents and passersby were left wondering about the nature of the police presence and the reasons for the road closures. Police reports reiterated the area was closed as investigations continued.
Meanwhile, another police incident unfolded on the same evening prior to the North Hill shooting, with Alma Road also seeing substantial police activity. Around 9:15 PM on December 16, emergency services were called to the residential area where multiple police cars and an ambulance were seen rushing to the location. Eyewitness accounts described the scene as tense but highlighted no immediate threat to the public.
Devon and Cornwall Police remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the situation on Alma Road but confirmed the incident was still under investigation. Mentioning the presence of six police cars, they assured the community there was no direct threat looming over them at the time.
Just as road closures began to pile up, Plymouth Highways reported significant delays due to the North Hill incident. They confirmed their observations around 7:30 AM on December 17 about the police response and advised commuters of possible delays.
Finally, after several hours of closure and police activity, North Hill was reopened as authorities continued their investigation. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed via their official channels, “All roads have now been reopened.” The investigation, though still underway, has left many questions unanswered for the local community. Residents, drivers, and students alike hope to see swift resolutions to these troubling incidents.
Meanwhile, drivers are left with the hope of avoiding unnecessary delays as Plymouth works through investigations surrounding the multiple police incidents involving road closures this week. The combination of events serves as yet another reminder of how quickly normalcy can be disrupted by unfortunate incidents, leaving local residents anxious yet vigilant.
