Officer shot by police firearm during knife arrest

A police officer was shot and injured while trying to detain a man with a machete

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 16:40 BST 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.

During the incident, the man attempted to evade arrest and struggled with officers as they detained him, police said.

"My thoughts are with the officer who's been injured and his colleague following this incident," said temporary chief constable Maggie Blyth.

"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 cordon has been put in place while investigations into the incident continue

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.

Gloucestershire Police Federation secretary Ian White said he wished his injured colleague "a swift recovery".

"Police officers in Gloucestershire – and across the country – work in an incredibly difficult, dynamic and dangerous environment, often faced with severe threat and danger," he said.

"We will be supporting the officer and their family and looking after the welfare of all the officers involved in the incident."

A cordon has been put in place and police officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance to the public.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has been informed of the incident.