Two men named after appearing in court after armed police raids across Bristol

Two men arrested as part of an operation which saw police carry out three armed raids across Bristol on Tuesday (November 2) have been charged. Kumari Lee, 29, of Exmouth Road and Joe Lumber, 22, of North Street, were each charged with robbery at Bristol Magistrates’ Court, yesterday (November 3).

Lee was also charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place and assault causing actual bodily harm. The charges relate to an incident which took place last month when a woman was forced to withdraw money from a cashpoint. Police said the incident involved a woman allegedly being held against her will while another woman was also threatened with a firearm.

On Wednesday, a video emerged showing armed officers raiding a rented property in Exmouth Road, Knowle. Two people were seen being pulled from the address but police later confirmed they were not part of the investigation and cleared of any wrongdoing.

An Avon and Somerser Police spokesperson said both victims are being safeguarded and given support. Searches were carried out at properties in North Street, Bedminster; Exmouth Road, Knowle and Hannover Road, Redfield. A number of weapons were recovered by police.

The pair will appear in Bristol Crown Court on December 2.