The Humberside Police Specialist Operations Unit includes Firearms and Marine Policing teams. These officers will now be working side by side delivering water-based patrols across the force area.
This means officers can respond more effectively to incidents in coastal and riverside locations, support wider policing operations on the water, and work more closely with partner agencies. It also allows for increased visibility in areas that are traditionally harder to reach.
Inspector Matt Stringer from the Specialist Operation Unit said:
“While seeing armed officers on the water may understandably cause concern for some residents, I want to reassure the community that there is no specific threat. These patrols form part of our proactive policing approach and are designed to enhance how effectively we can respond to incidents.
“Our first day of patrols took place yesterday (Wednesday 11 February 2026). While out on the watercraft, we received reports of a man on a barge who was believed to be threatening another individual and allegedly in possession of an axe.
“Because officers were already on the water, we were able to deploy armed officers quickly, and they swiftly arrested a 51‑year‑old man on suspicion of criminal damage, affray, possession of an offensive weapon, two counts of criminal damage to property, and assault. He remains in police custody at this time.”
“These patrols demonstrate our commitment to keeping people safe across every part of our force area through the collaboration of areas, including our waterways”.
