A Bristol man has been remanded into custody after appearing at court charged with possessing a handgun and ammunition.

Avon and Somerset Police force say they are utilising all of their specialist resources to tackle organised crime in Bristol following the recent shootings in Liverpool and London.

23-year-old Omari Sharpe appeared a Bristol Magistrates appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged with possessing a firearm, possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate, possessing a firearm when prohibited and possessing ammunition when prohibited.

Sharpe of Southmead, was remanded into custody to appear at Bristol Crown Court on September 22. 

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Smith, of Avon and Somerset's Specialist Operations unit, said: “Incidents involving firearms in Avon and Somerset are extremely rare. 

“In light of the tragic recent shootings in Liverpool and London and other incidents of violence in Bristol we know this case may cause our communities concerns.

“We are utilising all our specialist resources and all possible tactics to identify, arrest and hold all those involved in serious and organised crime to account.

“In this instance, a handgun has been taken off our streets and a man charged with possessing it which I hope provides some reassurance to the public we are preventing significant incidents from potentially occurring.”