Terrifying moment crossbow-wielding man runs through street after ‘neighbour row’ – before cop shot in leg
THIS is the terrifying moment a crossbow-wielding man ran through the street firing a weapon amid an alleged neighbour row.
Armed police and paramedics rushed to Downley in Buckinghamshire last night following reports of a domestic dispute.
A man aged in his 60s was stabbed and an officer was also shot in the leg.
A 54-year-old man was then shot by an armed officer during the incident, suffering “potentially life-changing” injuries.
He has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and taken to hospital under police supervision.
POLICE REFERRED TO IOPC
Thames Valley Police has automatically referred itself to the IOPC watchdog over the incident.
Footage shows a man charging down School Close in the usually quiet village firing the weapon before hiding in some bushes.
He then re-emerges and appears to fire at an officer who runs for cover.
A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said he witnessed the sudden arrival of armed police units on the quiet street from an upstairs window at his home.
He told The Sun: “I heard someone shouting: ‘He’s stabbed, he’s stabbed!’.
“Then I saw armed police officers walking down the streets carrying big guns.
“I heard someone shouting: ‘He’s stabbed, he’s stabbed!’. Then I saw armed police officers walking down the streets carrying big guns.
School Close resident
“They shouted ‘everybody, get back inside’ – because, obviously, neighbours had come out of their houses to try to see what was going on.
“Then we heard two gunshots. I have never heard a gunshot before in my entire life.
“I couldn’t see clearly from where I was but in my mind it was obvious someone had been shot.”
The man, who was with his daughter at the time, added: “It was terrifying.
“Friday evening, nice weather, kids were playing outside in the streets – everyone was out and about enjoying the weather.
“I had never seen so many police cars and ambulances in my life – only in movies.
“You don’t know what is going on at the time and I was worried about my daughter.”
Another local resident, who also did not wish to be named, said he believed the crossbow attacker lives on the street, as does the man who stabbed.
Another resident said there had been tension between the two men in the past and that they “sometimes fought outside, about once or twice a year”.
He said he believed the stabbing and shooting stemmed from an argument over cats.
“Yesterday, that man…apparently noticed that one or two of his cats were missing and he thought that…[the victim] had something to do with it.”
COMMUNITY CENTRE LOCKDOWN
The local community centre in Downley was on lockdown for more than three hours at the time of the incident, which started at around 6.30pm on Friday evening.
A cordon remains in place and only local residents are allowed to enter the zone, with forensic experts working at the scene.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe said that the man who was shot was in hospital under police guard.
Mr Metcalfe said: “We are currently dealing with a serious assault and weapons incident in High Wycombe.
“A man aged in his 60s suffered a stab wound at an address in School Close, Downley, at around 6pm yesterday (Fri).
“Police officers attended and one was shot in the leg with a crossbow. He was taken to hospital but has since been discharged.
“Our thoughts are with the injured officer and we are doing everything to support him and his colleagues, as well as all others affected by the incident within the force.
“The assault victim has also been taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. Our thoughts are with him as well.
“A 54-year-old man from High Wycombe has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
“He has also been taken to hospital under police supervision with potentially life-changing injuries having been shot by an armed police officer during the incident.
“We are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident at this time.
“There is a large police presence in the area as a result but there is no ongoing threat to the wider public. Anyone with concerns should speak to a uniformed police officer.
“A large police cordon is in place so please avoid the area as best you can.
“I would ask the public to avoid speculating about the incident and sharing footage on social media; instead send it to us via our website.
“We have also made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”