A former hotel worker appeared before magistrates in Ipswich today charged with possessing an imitation firearm following an incident in Cardinal Park.

Police were called to the retail park late on Thursday night to investigate reports shots had been heard in the area.

Alvin Shehu, 22 and of Reynolds Road in Ipswich, was charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence after the incident.

He was also charged with possessing a quantity of cannabis, which he admitted today.

Shehu entered no plea for the firearms charge at the hearing, held at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.

The 22-year-old has been remanded in custody to have his case heard at Ipswich Crown Court.

He will appear there via video link on Monday, August 14.

A 21-year-old man, arrested at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage, remains under investigation.