A police officer has been shot in the leg by a police firearm while trying to detain a man with a machete. The Gloucestershire Constabulary officer was taken to hospital with a non-life-threatening leg injury after the incident in Silverstone Walk, Gloucester, on Wednesday.
Armed police were sent to the scene after reports a taxi driver had been robbed by a man with a machete at about 4.40pm and, as officers tried to arrest the suspect, a police firearm was discharged. One man was arrested and remains in custody.
The force has not yet released who fired the weapon that injured the officer.
A police cordon has been put in place at the scene while investigations into the incident continue
Temporary chief constable Maggie Blyth said: “My thoughts are with the officer who’s been injured and his colleague following this incident.
“I am grateful for the bravery they have shown in detaining someone suspected of carrying out a robbery and possessing a machete and who was believed to have been a real danger to the public.”
A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service confirmed an ambulance, critical care car, a rapid response vehicle and the hazardous area response team attended the incident.
“We conveyed one patient by land ambulance to Southmead Hospital,” they added.
Ian White, Secretary of Gloucestershire Police Federation, said: “Police officers in Gloucestershire – and across the country – work in an incredibly difficult, dynamic and dangerous environment, often faced with severe threat and danger.
“We wish our colleague injured in Kingsway last night a swift recovery. We will be supporting the officer and their family and looking after the welfare of all the officers involved in the incident.
“As part of this work, Chair Adam Williams and I attended the scene on Wednesday night and the Federation remains available should colleagues be in need.
“We will not be making any further comment at this time while investigations and the legal process are ongoing.”
The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
