Man shot in hand by police is arrested

A man who was shot in the hand by armed police has been arrested.

Armed police officers and negotiators were called to Merlin Park in Portishead near Bristol on Tuesday, following reports that a man had a firearm.

Avon and Somerset Police said a 48-year-old man is in hospital under police custody after he was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Additional suspected firearms were found in the property, the force added.

The force said armed officers were sent to Merlin Park after a firearm was mentioned during a call to police, with negotiators also deployed to talk to a man inside a property.

Avon and Somerset Police has now confirmed that two of the armed officers fired their weapons and a man needed first aid for a hand wound.

He was later taken to hospital for further treatment for the injury, which is not thought to be life threatening.

No police officers were injured in the incident.

Supt Vicks Hayward-Melen, head of operations at Avon and Somerset Police, said:

"We understand an incident of this nature may be alarming to the local community, but I must stress that matters of this nature are incredibly rare and we do not believe there is any wider risk to the public.

"Our firearms officers receive extensive training and are held to the highest standards through regularly retesting and mandated refresher training.

"The discharge of a police firearm is considered a last resort and is only actioned in cases where there is a significant threat to officers, themselves or members of the public.

"They do an incredibly difficult job, which not many can do, and I commend those who take on this responsibility voluntarily and have to make these challenging decisions in high-pressure situations in a matter of moments."

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