Man in court after armed police deployed to estate

A man has appeared in court charged with possession of an imitation firearm after a police armed response unit was deployed to a housing estate.

Officers fired twice during the incident at Merlin Park in Portishead on 30 April, and a man was taken to hospital with an injury to his hand.

Richard Thornton, who lives on the estate, appeared at North Somerset Courthouse on Monday charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He was further charged with possession of class B drugs and was remanded into custody ahead of his next appearance at Bristol Crown Court on 9 June.