A terrifying incident in Gloucester saw a taxi driver robbed at machete-point, triggering a major armed police response that resulted in a firearm being discharged and an officer injured.
Taxi driver threatened with machete
The incident began at around 4:40pm on Wednesday when Gloucestershire Constabulary received a report that a taxi driver had been robbed by a man brandishing a machete.
Minutes later, further calls were made to police reporting that a man was seen carrying a machete on Silverstone Walk in the Kingsway area of the city.
Armed response and arrest attempt
Armed officers swiftly attended the scene and tracked a suspect to a block of flats on Silverstone Walk. During the attempted arrest, the man is said to have resisted, leading to a violent struggle with officers.
Police confirmed that during this confrontation, a firearm was discharged. One officer sustained a leg injury in the incident and was taken to hospital for treatment. The injury is not considered life-threatening.
The man was arrested at the scene and remains in police custody. A cordon was put in place as detectives and forensic teams carried out further investigations.
Officer praised for bravery
Gloucestershire Constabulary stated that the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is standard procedure whenever a police firearm is discharged.
Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth praised the courage of the officers involved:
“My thoughts are with the officer who’s been injured and his colleague following this incident.
I am grateful for the bravery they have shown in detaining someone suspected of carrying out a robbery and possessing a machete, who was believed to have been a real danger to the public.”
She added that enquiries will continue to establish the full circumstances, but reassured the community that there is no wider risk to public safety. Officers will maintain a visible presence in the area to provide reassurance.
Community appeal
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident or who may have witnessed the events in Kingsway to come forward and speak to officers.
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