POLICE have raided more than 10 homes across the city as the search for a man police want to question over a gun incident in Chester enters its second week.
Lee Robert Ward, 30, is wanted for questioning in connection with a firearm incident at the Waggon and Horses pub in Blacon.
Detectives say a man took out a gun during a fight involving a group of men aged between 20 and 35 at the pub in Western Avenue on Saturday, January 14.
Lee Ward’s brother, Scott Ward, 23, of Wordsworth Crescent, had also disappeared after the incident but was arrested on Friday, January 20, after he handed himself in to the authorities.
He has been charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and affray, and was remanded in custody at West Cheshire Magistrates Court.
Det Insp Gwyn Dodd said: “The community of Blacon has faced a significant degree of disruption in the last 10 days as the search for Lee Ward continues.
“We have carried out almost 10 warrants and property searches in the Blacon and wider Chester area and are gathering more information in respect of his recent movements.
“We continue to act on all information received by our investigation team and encourage anyone with any information in respect of his current or recent whereabouts, to contact us.”
Patrols were noticeably stepped up in the Blacon area over the weekend as part of the operation. Officers had also shut down the Waggon and Horses pub but it was allowed to reopen last Tuesday subject to new licensing rules, including one that says doormen must now have hand-held metal detectors.
As the licensing authority Cheshire West and Chester will review the pub’s licence within the next 28 days. A hearing before the Licensing Act sub-committee will be held within that time.
It is understood Lee Ward, who has now been missing for nearly 12 days, has links to Blacon, Chester, Merseyside and North Wales.
Insp Steve Beddows, who leads the Chester Outer Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “For those who have offered us information and intelligence to assist the inquiry, we would like to offer our thanks and it is encouraging to see the community coming forward to help us progress this investigation, locate Lee Ward and help make our community safer.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting Operation Gowan. Alternatively information can be left anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.