Man taken to hospital after firearm discharged in Lechlade

A man has been arrested in connection with a serious incident in Lechlade tonight, Monday 20 April.

At around 7.10pm police were called with a report that a man had shot another man who was sat stationary in his vehicle on Butler's Field.

The victim, a man aged in his 30s, then managed to drive a short distance and get inside a property.

Emergency services attended the scene and the victim was taken to hospital with suspected gunshot wounds. At this time his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

It is understood the suspect initially tried to leave the scene in a vehicle, but after he collided with parked vehicles, he left on foot.

A search of the area took place with armed officers and with support from the National Police Air Service, and a man aged in his 20s was detained in Fairford shortly before 10pm.

He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody.

It is understood that those involved are known to each other, and a firearm was recovered at the scene.

Acting Detective Inspector Sophie Dawkins from Gloucestershire Police's Criminal Investigation Department said: "This is a worrying incident and no doubt will have caused a lot of concern in the community, especially during the time while officers were searching for the suspect.

"We're in the early stages of an investigation and at this time it is understood that those involved are known to each other, and we’re not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

"Those living nearby will see an enhanced police presence over the coming days and we'd encourage anyone with concerns to speak to officers in the area."

Anyone with information on the incident or anyone who has any dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage is asked to contact police.

You can provide information to police by completing the following online form and quoting incident 417 of 20 April: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/