POLICE forensic officers spent yesterday afternoon and early evening meticulously investigating the scene at the Driverline 247 offices.

A total of twelve forensic officers from the special investigation unit and around 25 police officers were stationed at the small South Pontypool Industrial Estate.

Their investigation was expected to continue throughout the night.

Earlier a unit of armed police officers attended the scene, however a police spokesman confirmed that no shots were fired by officers.

A police helicopter was called to help with the search for the offender and at one stage was seen by an eyewitnesses to land next to the nearby PILCS FC football pitch.

Police later took a special unit to the scene, who began a fingertip search of the industrial estate car park.

They were seen to be searching beneath vehicles that were parked in the car park, including a grey Mazda. The team also used wooden poles to search among nearby bushes.

Police also took in a team of sniffer dogs to inspect the nearby area, however a police spokesman would not confirm whether they were looking for a weapon.

As darkness began to fall in the area, the lights were still on inside the Driverline 247 recruitment agency and its windows remained open as officers continued their investigation.

At around 6.30pm police set up large spotlights to illuminate the scene.

The search for clues was not helped by a torrential downpour in the area following the incident.

Speaking at the scene, Chief Inspector Huw Nicholas, from Gwent Police, confirmed extra police patrols had been put on in and around Pontypool to reassure local residents.

He added: “I would like to assure people we are doing our utmost to locate the offender.”