A MAN shot at police as they tried to pull over a car in Worcester today.

The driver refused the stop, and the car then crashed with three others and some metal railings while trying to evade police.

The drama unfolded off the city's Blackpole Road at around noon today.

A  Lidl store was evacuated and a search of McDonald's and the Blackpole Inn, both near to the crash, were carried out.

It is believed police arrested one man outside McDonald's, and another in a nearby car park outside the Wolseley bathroom showroom.

It is not known where the other man was arrested.

Police would not confirm where the men were arrested.

A police spokesman said: "Three men have been detained after it is believed a shot was fired at a police car.

"The incident happened at around noon in Cosgrove Close, near Blackpole Road in Worcester, when officers attempted to pull over a vehicle that had failed to stop for them.

"The vehicle also collided with a number of vehicles on the road."

Chief Inspector Gareth Morgan said: “Thankfully, no one has been injured, but this is obviously a very shocking incident for the local community and the officers involved.

"Firstly, I’d like to reassure the public that there is not believed to be any threat to the public.

“Armed officers quickly responded to support the officers at the scene and the local Lidl store was evacuated whilst thorough searches were carried out there and in McDonald's, both as a precaution.

"It has now been fully opened and we’d like to thank shoppers and staff in the shop for their cooperation. 

“Crimes involving firearms are rare in Worcestershire and this is thought to be an isolated incident.

"A thorough investigation has been launched and three men are currently in police custody.”  

Deniz Aydin, who runs Luckys Lunch Box in Blackpole Road, said: "Four men were involved, shots were fired at police, three were arrested, but one escaped."

Our reporter on the scene confirmed armed police were seen at Mcdonald's, Lidl and the Blackpole Inn on the Blackpole Road.

Callum Kirman, 18, said: "I heard that staff at Mcdonald's found ammo casings in the toilet, so the police locked down the restaurant and searched the toilets."

He added: "I am shocked. I have seen this kind of thing in London, but not down here. 

Andrew Christian-Brookes, 64, said: "I heard the most horrific bang. A car had crashed into another car after going around a pedestrian relief point on the wrong side of the road.

"The car, which was full of three men who were late twenties, then crashed into two other vehicles causing all three cars to crash into the railings outside the bathroom supply shop. 

"One of the men was arrested by an undercover police officer.

"It was really shocking. I felt somewhat light-headed after witnessing it all.

"One of the drivers was a woman with her baby in the car. I don't believe anyone was hurt."

A reporter on the scene said two cars were damaged and debris strewn accross the road.

Resident Marina Austin, 57, said: "I was just trying to catch the bus. I am shocked. This is a nice area, you don't expect things like this to happen."

Gary Hewitt, 58, said: "I was sitting at home watching the telly when I heard I skid and what sounded like a bomb going off!"