Armed police responded to a chaotic scene in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, yesterday evening, where a confrontation involving a crossbow-wielding individual left one officer injured and a man in his sixties stabbed.
Units rushed to the village of Downley around 6 pm after receiving reports of a 54-year-old man brandishing a crossbow. Upon arrival, the suspect fired at the officers, injuring one of them.
In response, armed police shot and apprehended the assailant on suspicion of attempted murder. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, sustained potentially life-changing injuries and was transported to a hospital under police supervision.
Meanwhile, a man in his sixties sustained a stab wound during the altercation. He was promptly taken to a hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.
Video footage captured by a local resident shows the tense moments as armed officers and police vehicles arrived at the scene in Downley, emphasizing the gravity of the situation in the otherwise tranquil neighbourhood.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident stemmed from a dispute between neighbours on Wednesday night, which escalated dramatically when police intervened. A resident described the altercation as loud but was unsure of the exact nature of the conflict.
Following the incident, residents were advised to avoid the area as roads were closed to facilitate the ongoing police investigation.
Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe addressed the incident, expressing concern for the injured officer and the other individuals affected. He assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to public safety and urged against speculating or sharing footage on social media.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has been notified of the incident, as per standard procedure.
The events in High Wycombe serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Armed Police Officers and the unpredictable nature of their duties, even in seemingly peaceful communities.
