Man charged after officer shot with police firearm

Police were called to reports of a man with a machete on Silverstone Walk in the Kingsway area of the city

A man has been charged following an incident in which an officer was shot in the leg with a police firearm.

Justin Francis, 39, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer with intent to resist or prevent arrest and possession of a bladed article after an incident on Silverstone Walk in Gloucester on Wednesday.

Gloucestershire Police said armed officers were called after reports a taxi driver was robbed by a man with a machete. Mr Francis, of Chequers Road in Gloucester, was also charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

The shot officer remains in hospital with non-life threatening injuries, a police spokesperson confirmed. They did not release who fired the weapon.

Two other people, Wayne Vaughan, aged 37 and of Silverstone Walk in Gloucester, and Tiffany Davies, aged 35 and of no fixed address, were also charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

Gloucestershire Police said the incident was an "extremely rare event"

All three remain in custody pending an appearance at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court later, police said.

Supt Mark Chicken said the incident on Silverstone Walk was an "extremely rare event" and he recognised it could cause some alarm in the community.

He encouraged anyone with concerns to contact neighbourhood officers carrying out patrols to provide reassurance.

"The thoughts of everyone at the constabulary remain with the injured officer as he continues to receive treatment in hospital.

"I'd like to thank the local community for their understanding yesterday and for the many well wishes received for the injured officer," he added.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.