Devendra Kumar
A police officer was shot in the leg with a crossbow while responding to a stabbing incident in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The officer was shot by an armed police colleague and has since been released from hospital. The incident occurred on Friday evening when Thames Valley Police officers attended School Close, Downley, after receiving reports of a stabbing. A man in his 60s had suffered a stab wound and was taken to hospital with potentially life-changing injuries. A 54-year-old man from High Wycombe has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and was also taken to hospital under police supervision.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe said the officer who was shot has since been released from hospital and is receiving support from the force. The assault victim is being treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The police presence in the area has been significant, with forensic investigators taking photographs of the scene and a police cordon blocking the end of the street.
Local residents were shocked by the incident, with one resident, Andy Gupta, describing the scene as “like working in a movie”. He witnessed the incident from his window and saw armed police, police cars, ambulances, and critical care units responding to the incident. His 13-year-old daughter also witnessed the incident and was shocked by the sudden arrival of armed police and the sound of gunshots. Another local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was “shocked” by the incident and felt it was unexpected for such an incident to occur in their quiet village.
The police have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the incident and are urging anyone with concerns to speak to a uniformed police officer. The incident has caused a significant disruption to the area, with a large police presence remaining in place over the weekend.