Gloucester man charged after officer shot with police firearm

A man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm after a police officer was shot in the leg in Gloucester.

Justin Francis, 39, of Chequers Road, was charged with harming a police officer with intent to resist or prevent arrest after an incident on Silverstone Walk at around 4.40pm on Wednesday 17 September.

He has also been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Police first received reports of a taxi driver being robbed by a man with a machete at around 4.20pm.

In a struggle between a suspect and police officers, a police firearm was discharged which resulted in a police officer sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg.

Two other people, Wayne Vaughan, aged 37 and of Silverstone Walk, Gloucester, and Tiffany Davies, aged 35 and of no fixed address, have also been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

All three currently remain in police custody pending an appearance at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court today on Friday 19 September.

Superintendent Mark Chicken said: “The thoughts of everyone at the Constabulary remain with the injured officer as he continues to receive treatment in hospital.

“I’d like to thank the local community for their understanding yesterday and for the many well wishes received for the injured officer.

“What happened on Silverstone Walk on Wednesday was an extremely rare event in Gloucestershire and we recognise it may cause some alarm in the community.

“Neighbourhood officers will continue to carry out patrols to provide reassurance to people and I’d encourage anyone with concerns to speak to them.”