Canal boaters have been taking refuge on Welsh Row tonight as an ongoing armed police incident by Nantwich Aqueduct continues.
Reports from eye witnesses suggest there is a man with a firearm on board one of the barges moored on the Shropshire Union Canal close to Nantwich Marina.
However, this has not been confirmed by police who referred to the incident as a “concern for welfare”.
The canal and towpath remain closed and have been all day since early this morning (August 1).
Many boats have been arriving in Nantwich ahead of the the Roving Canal Traders Association “Floating Market” taking place in the town over the weekend.
Some boats were hoping to be open today for business as they arrived.
But because of the closure, boaters have had to moor further away and have disembarked and sought refuge at the nearby Oddfellows Arms.
Oddfellows landlords Jonathan Welford and Rob Hardy said: “It’s very worrying, especially for our sleepy Cheshire town.
“However, spirits are buoyant and everyone have confidence in the police, and are impressed in their sensitivity with this matter.”
One witness at the canal said: “Boats are still arriving into Nantwich after a long day of cruising, having to moor where they’re not usually allowed to as they can’t go any further – blocking in boats on canal at Nantwich Canal Centre.
“Police are still guarding the top of towpath at the top of the aqueduct to stop access.”
The incident has caused a logjam of narrow boats approaching Nantwich from Chester direction.
The witness added: “You’re not supposed to moor until you’re past all the boats at Nantwich Canal Centre, but obviously there’s no choice now with a closed canal and boats continually arriving.”
Another added: “We spoke to a couple from a boat. The police would let them off their boat but won’t let them back on.
“They said the guy has a gun and is “threatening to kill everyone”.
Police, divers and fire crews responded to the incident close to Nantwich Aqueduct before 9am this morning.
The canal and towpath were immediately cordoned off to boaters and pedestrians amid reports of a man on board a barge with a firearm.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said earlier today: “Police were called to a canal boat on the Shropshire Union Canal in Nantwich this morning (1 August) following reports of concern for welfare. Police are currently at the scene dealing with the incident.”
We contacted Cheshire Police for an update at around 6pm and are still waiting for a reply.
Because he threatened to blow up his boat. this would result in a fire and body parts floating in the canal I expect
As one of the boaters evacuated, I speak on behalf of all of us involved that, although the police were extremely sensitive with the man that caused the major incident, they were absolutely appalling with all of us.
One elderly boater was awoken at 5.45am and told to evacuate. He, along with each and every one of us were not contacted or updated once on the likelihood of being able to return to our homes. We only found out via a Facebook post at 11pm last night that the incident had been resolved and we could give back the borrowed (from other boaters) blankets and return to our homes. We are all traumatised, angry and disgusted by the lack of care and welfare the police showed us.
No, you can’t assume that you “speak on behalf of all of us involved”… several traders from moored boats were grateful for the emergency response.
I can just imagine the lawyers queuing up to represent all of the critics with 20:20 hindsight.
Divers and fire engines………. why?