A man has been charged with attempted murder after several schools were locked down amid a manhunt for a gunman after a shooting in Bristol.
William Scammell, 24, was charged with being in possession of a shortened shotgun after the shooting at a car on Speedwell Road at approximately 1.50pm on Wednesday.
A man and a woman, both in their 20s, were also taken into custody on suspicion of assisting the offender but have been released on police bail.
Scammell will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
A man in his 20s remains in hospital with potentially life-changing injuries after the shooting, which placed three schools into lockdown as a precautionary measure.
Pupils at Bristol Brunel Academy, Two Mile Hill Primary School and Chester Park Infant School were not allowed to leave the sites after the incident.
Avon and Somerset Police said they are keeping the man and his family updated on the investigation.
Senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Jess Aston said: ‘We understand this has been a very shocking and concerning incident, but we would like to reassure the public that this remains a priority investigation for us.
A man has been charged with attempted murder after several schools in Bristol were locked down amid a manhunt for a gunman after a shooting
‘Neighbourhood officers continue to conduct high-visibility reassurance patrols in the area and anyone with any concerns or questions are encouraged to speak with us.’
Enquiries remain ongoing; however, police confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the shooting.
Following the incident, a cordon was placed in St Anne’s Wood near Brislington, with police altering the public to expect a ‘heightened police presence’ there and in the Speedwell area.
An air ambulance was also seen landing at Barton Fields Park, while a police helicopter circled the city for an hour and a half.
A force spokesperson said: ‘We understand that this may have been a very concerning incident, but we have deployed a significant number of resources as part of our response, including the National Police Air Service helicopter, specially-trained firearms officers and drone units.’
On the incident, parents at Two Mile Hill Primary School received an email reading: ‘Due to a serious incident in the local area, Two Mile Hill Primary has been placed into lockdown as a precaution. During this time, no one will be able to enter or leave the school site.
‘We understand that this is very close to the end of the school day and may cause inconvenience; however, the safety and security of our pupils and wider community is our highest priority.
‘We will provide further updates as soon as we are able.’
William Scammell was charged with being in possession of a shortened shotgun after the shooting on Speedwell Road on Wednesday
Bristol Brunel Academy added it was being led by police and told parents: ‘We are still in a precautionary lockdown following police advice.
‘Please do not worry, this is a precaution only and we are waiting to hear further instructions. All staff and students are safe.
‘We have been advised by police to remain in lockdown due to the incident in the local community. Staff and students remain in the Academy and we will await further updates from police.’
Anyone who witnessed the incident or may have footage has been urged to contact the force by calling 101 using reference number 5226089476.
Alternatively, those with information who wish to report anonymously can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
