NEWSFEED: Why Was Amar Dedic Carrying a Bow and Arrow? Police Explain Newcastle Incident
Newcastle United defender Amar Dedic has found himself at the centre of an unusual police incident after being spotted carrying a bow and arrows in the Northumberland countryside.
The 24-year-old Bosnia international was reportedly stopped by police on Wednesday, 4 November, after a member of the public raised concerns about two men carrying archery equipment near a reservoir.
But why was Dedic carrying a bow and arrows, and has he done anything wrong?
Why Was Amar Dedic Carrying a Bow and Arrow?
According to Northumbria Police, the equipment was understood to have been intended for recreational use.
Dedic was reportedly accompanied by a friend when the pair were seen walking near a reservoir in the Harlow Hill area, west of Newcastle.
The precise activity they were undertaking has not been publicly confirmed.
However, police said their initial enquiries indicated there was no threat to members of the public.
Why Were Police Called?
The incident began shortly before 2pm on Wednesday when a member of the public reported seeing two men carrying a bow and arrows near Military Road.
Officers attended the area and subsequently stopped a vehicle in Darras Hall, near Ponteland.
Reports suggest that several police vehicles were involved, including armed response officers.
Police searched the vehicle and seized the archery equipment.
Northumbria Police confirmed that the equipment was believed to be for recreational use and that there was no threat to the public.
Enquiries were continuing when the incident was reported.
Is It Illegal to Carry a Bow and Arrow?
Owning a bow and arrow or using archery equipment for legitimate recreational purposes is not automatically illegal in the UK.
However, the circumstances in which equipment is carried or used can be important.
Hunting wild animals with bows and arrows is illegal in Britain.
There is no evidence in the reports that Dedic or his companion were hunting animals, and no suggestion from police that they posed a threat to the public.
Will Amar Dedic Face Disciplinary Action?
Reports suggest Newcastle United are unlikely to take disciplinary action against Dedic over the incident.
BBC Sport has also reported that the defender fully cooperated with officers and had no ill intentions.
The incident is therefore not expected to prevent him from being available for Newcastle's forthcoming Premier League fixture against Fulham.
An Unusual Incident for Newcastle's Defender
Dedic joined Newcastle from Benfica during the summer and has been establishing himself in the first-team squad.
The circumstances surrounding Wednesday's police response have understandably attracted considerable attention.
However, the important distinction is that police have indicated there was no threat to the public and that the archery equipment was understood to be for recreational use.
Although the exact reason Dedic and his companion were carrying the equipment has not been established publicly, there is currently no basis for suggesting they were involved in any unlawful activity.
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