Officer injured by police firearm discharge during arrest
A Gloucestershire Constabulary officer was injured by a police firearm discharge when responding to a report that a taxi driver had been robbed by a man with a machete.
The incident happened shortly after 4.40pm on Wednesday (September 17) when the force received two separate reports of a man with a machete on Silverstone Walk in the Kingsway area of the Gloucester..
Armed officers attended and located a man matching the description of the man inside a block of flats.
The man attempted to evade arrest and struggled with officers as they detained him.
During the course of the arrest, a police firearm was discharged and an officer sustained an injury to his leg.
The officer was subsequently taken to hospital and is currently receiving treatment. His injury is not believed to be life-threatening.
A man was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident and remains in police custody.
Gloucestershire Constabulary said the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
T/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.
“Further enquiries will take place into exactly what happened and we will provide more details when we are able to.”
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 last 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.”