Updated: Armed police involved in operation to locate two wanted men in York

Police are searching for two wanted men in York.

The ongoing operation saw armed officers seal off a main road for more than two hours this afternoon (Monday, 17 August).

Cornlands Road in Acomb was cordoned off in both directions, while a police helicopter circled overhead. Police dogs were also deployed.

Now the force has given an update about the operation.

Officers are searching for Marley Ward, 29, and Kyle Illingworth, 29, both thought to be in York.

Ward is wanted for recall to prison, while Illingworth is wanted on suspicion of breaching a court order.

Extensive police enquiries are underway to locate them.

Man in custody

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said of the Cornlands Road operation: “Cordons were put in place and the road closed for a time while the operation was underway.

“We’re very grateful to members of the public for their support and patience while officers worked safely at the scene.”

Officers entered the property at 1pm. Despite a thorough search, with the assistance of a police dog, no one was located inside.

In a separate incident, a man in his 40s was arrested after he approached the police cordon and shouted and swore at officers.

He was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in a public place, and obstructing a police constable. He remains in custody at this time.

The cordon was lifted at 2.20pm.

Police are asking anyone who sees Ward or Illingworth, or knows where they are, to contact them.

How to help the police

Brother of wanted man speaks out

Benn Illingworth is the brother of one of the wanted men, Kyle Illingworth.

He was at Cornlands Road and said he gave the key to police to enter the property where they thought one or both of the men may be located.

“They’ve got the key, and they’ve still taken the door off, they’ve cut all the door,” Benn told YorkMix.

“There’s nobody inside. We’ve given them the information that they’re not here.

“I know they’re looking for two people, and one of them is my brother – and it must be a serious offence because of all the coppers with the guns.

“But I think they’ve taken it way out of hand.

“We’ve given them the key, we’ve let them enter the property – and they’ve then taken it into their own hands to saw the door in half and then kick the door down.

“I don’t understand why they’ve done all this for two people, when we’ve told them that they’re not here.”

He also alleged a police officer “grabbed” his pregnant girlfriend and said he would be putting in an official complaint.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “If the woman wishes to make a formal complaint, she can do so by contacting the Complaints and Recognition Team at the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.”