OVER a dozen people have been arrested after a man was threatened with a firearm in Newcastle last week.

At about 8.20pm on Wednesday, May 15, a group of men knocked on the door of an address on Moorhead in Cowgate.

When the 37-year-old occupant answered the door one of the men threatened him with what is believed to be a firearm.

The victim was not injured during the incident and the individuals then fled the scene prior to police arrival.

An investigation was launched into the incident but police believe the man was targeted in a case of mistaken identity.

The investigating officers have conducted a number of searches at various addresses across Newcastle and Washington.

Yesterday afternoon a further four men were arrested following an operation in Newcastle meaning a total of 13 people have now been arrested.

Twelve people - nine men and three women - remain in custody at this time while a 29-year-old arrested at the weekend has been released under investigation.

The officer leading the investigation has now urged anyone who knows those involved in the incident to get in touch with police.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Knox said: “Incidents of this nature are incredibly rare in our Force area and our response reflects that.

“We have launched a large-scale investigation and the fact we have arrested 13 people shows just how seriously we take firearms incidents.

“Our officers have carried out warrants and a number of addresses and our operational activity will continue.

“High visibility patrols will continue to take place in Cowgate in the coming days but I want to reassure the public that this is believed to be an isolated incident.

“At this stage we do believe this incident is a case of mistaken identity but we have put safeguarding measures in place for the victim.

“Our enquiries will continue but we still need anyone with information about the incident to contact police.

“If you saw what happened, saw the men fleeing the scene on Wednesday or if you know those involved then please contact police.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting log 1089 15/05/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.