SOUTHAMPTON residents have been left shocked by an incident where a shotgun was reportedly fired.

The incident happened in Minstead Avenue, Harefield where loud bangs were heard, before a resident saw someone get in a car and drive away.

After the incident, which occurred on February 10, police have carried out door-to-door inspections.

Dave Jones and his dad found six shotgun shells and a bandolier, but police say there is no evidence to suggest that a weapon was fired.

The 20-year-old said: "I was stood near my bedroom window, and was talking to my girlfriend who was on the bed.

"I heard a sound that sounded like a car tyre exploding, and my parents thought it was a firework."

Then, the construction worker looked out his window.

"I saw a guy stood next to a big silver car, and then he got in the car and they pulled away fast, leaving tyre marks.

"My dad ran out and noticed there was six shotgun shells and a holster to hold them in."

Daily Echo:

It was a shock to him and his family.

"It's kind of scary.

"It was confusing at first because I've never heard a shotgun before.

"It sounded like a small explosion out there.

"My dad said it sounded like a car window smashed it was that loud."

Jason Lewis, another resident, also witnessed the noise.

The 50-year-old said: "We were sat watching TV in the evening and there was a massive bang.

"We all thought it was a firework and took no notice of it.

"Then we saw one of the neighbours outside so went out and they had found the shotgun ammo.

"Police have carried out door-to-door enquiries and a leaflet drop."

It also left the carer confused.

He added: "It was pretty shocking at the time.

"There's normally no trouble.

"You get kids messing about and being kids but that's it. so it's a bit of a shock.

"It's completely out of character for this road."

Police are appealing for witnesses, and the leaflet read: "Police are investigating a suspicious incident which took place on February 10 between 6.50pm and 7.10pm.

"There has been a report of what sounded like a shotgun being fired and a vehicle leaving the location"

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "We were called at 7pm on Sunday 10 February to reports of several loud bangs described as ‘gun shots’ in Minstead Avenue, Southampton.

"It was also reported a car was seen leaving the area at speed, possibly a 4x4 or people carrier type vehicle.

"No one reported seeing a gun and at this time there is no evidence a firearm was discharged.

"However, officers will be making enquiries in the local area today to follow up the reports.

"Witnesses can contact police on 101 quoting the reference number 44190049877."