Fortunately, no one was critically injured in the crossbow incident: police

Police said it was “extremely fortunate” that no one suffered life-threatening injuries after an officer was shot in the leg with a crossbow following reports of a stabbing in a Buckinghamshire village.

Thames Valley police officers attended School Close in Downley, High Wycombe, at around 6pm on Friday after a man in his 60s suffered a stab wound.

On Saturday afternoon, police said the man had been released from hospital and praised the “incredible bravery” of officers who confronted the gunman.

Deputy Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe said one of the officers present was shot in the leg with a crossbow and taken to hospital but has since been released and is in “good spirits given the circumstances”.

A 54-year-old man from High Wycombe has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

He was taken to hospital under police supervision with potentially life-changing injuries after being shot by an armed police officer.

In a statement to the media from the scene of the accident on Saturday afternoon, Mr Metcalfe said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with everyone affected by this disturbing incident.” The victim of the attack and his family, our own officers and staff and the wider community .

“The man in his 60s who suffered a stab wound has been discharged from hospital.

“The injured police officer, who was shot with a crossbow bolt, is stationed at High Wycombe Police Station. He was released from hospital last night and we are supporting him.

“The 54-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, remains in hospital under police supervision in a critical condition with serious, potentially life-changing injuries.

“It is very fortunate that no one suffered life-threatening injuries.

“We were able to bring the incident to a quick conclusion and all victims were treated following a rapid response from South Central Ambulance Service.”

Mr Metcalfe praised the “incredible bravery” of the officers who responded to the incident, adding: “We are giving every possible support to the officer who was injured in the incident.”

Buckinghamshire Commander Chief Superintendent Emma Burroughs said the incident was “a great challenge and concern” for the local community.

She continued: “We do not underestimate the impact it has had on the community, so we are doing everything we can to support people, such as patrolling the area next day and working with stakeholders such as Councillors, the MP and our independent advisory group.”

A large police cordon remains at the scene and the incident is being investigated as an “absolute priority”, Chief Supt Burroughs said.

She confirmed that police were not looking for anyone in connection with the incident and urged anyone with information to contact us.

Police have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the incident.

A police presence was seen in School Close on Saturday, forensic investigators took photos of the crime scene and a police cordon blocked the end of the street.

One resident said witnessing Friday’s incident was like “working in a movie,” adding that “15 to 20 police cars” were at the scene.

Andy Gupta, 49, told the PA news agency: “We saw three or four armed police officers through our window. That’s when we realized something serious was going on.

“For the first time in my life I felt like I was working in a film.

“There were 15 to 20 police cars, armed police, three or four ambulances and two intensive care units.

“It was worrying – I have family here. I know there are kids playing over there and my buddy’s kids are there, so I was worried about them too.”

Mr Gupta’s 13-year-old daughter, who was studying at the time of the incident, added: “I saw a man coming out of a house and it looked like he had been stabbed in the stomach.”

“And then the police came and said, ‘Don’t stand outside, don’t come out, it’s dangerous.’

“They kept them all inside. And then armed police came and I heard two shots.

“We were shocked – we didn’t think this would happen in such a quiet area.”

Another resident in Downley said she was “shocked” by the incident.

The woman, who did not want to be named, told PA: “We don’t expect something like this in our village.”

“I was pretty shocked. Another knife crime is a bit much, especially when it happens so close to home.”