Shots fired in stolen Harry Potter drama

Two men were arrested today after shots were fired during what is thought to be a newspaper deal to buy a stolen copy of the new Harry Potter novel, police said.

Police were called to Tresham Street in Kettering, Northants, this morning after reports that a weapon had been fired.

Surrounding streets were closed and armed officers scoured the area for the gun involved. No weapon has yet been found, said a Northamptonshire Police spokesman.

A Sun newspaper reporter was in the middle of a deal to buy the stolen book when the incident began.

A police spokesman said today: “Northamptonshire Police were called with information that a person was attempting to sell a copy of the new Harry Potter novel and that the person was in possession of firearms.

“Police began an investigation into the allegations but in the meantime fresh allegations were made this morning that a firearm had been discharged in the property in Kettering.

“As a result of this a firearms operation was launched at a residential address in Tresham Street in Kettering town centre earlier today which resulted in two men being arrested on suspicion of theft and firearms offences.

“Two books were recovered and they are currently being held in secure circumstances has evidence by Northamptonshire Police.”

The spokesman added that any weapon had not yet been recovered and the reports had not been substantiated.

A spokesman for The Sun later told the Press Association: “The newspaper was approached by someone claiming to have a copy of the new Harry Potter book.

“A reporter and photographer from The Sun met with two men with the intention of obtaining the book so it could be returned to the publisher and the police could be informed.”