37-year-old man arrested over the shooting of a police officer in Leeds

A man has been arrested after a female police officer was shot in Leeds earlier today. 

The police officer from the neighbourhood response team was attending a property in Headingley with her colleague at 4am this morning when the pair were confronted by a man and a gun was fired. 

The police officer suffered injuries, although these are not believed to be life-threatening. A force spokesman later said she was in “a poorly but stable” condition in hospital. 

Reports by West Yorkshire Police say a 37-year-old man was arrested at 10.10am in Headingley. 

Chief superintendent Paul Money, from West Yorkshire Police, describing what happened said how, on attending the scene, “a firearm was discharged at the officers and the female officer … sustained injuries to her face, neck and right hand.” 

Mark Gilmore, chief constable of West Yorkshire Police, praising the two officers involved said: “I wish to pay a huge tribute to the bravery and selfless dedication of my colleagues who, whilst responding to a routine call about anti-social behaviour, sustained a violent, unprovoked and brutal attack from a lone gunman.” 

He continued: “I also wish to place on record my sincere appreciation and admiration for my colleagues, who led the subsequent investigation and quickly and professionally brought this very serious criminal incident to a safe conclusion.” 

He went on to say: “I take this opportunity to reassure the public that there is no continuing threat to the safety of communities within West Yorkshire, arising from this incident.” 

Assistant chief constable Geoff Dodd commented: “The officer has sustained a very serious injury and her wellbeing is of paramount importance to us. The thoughts of colleagues remain with the officer and her family at this very difficult time.” 

He said the arrest followed information from the public and a firearm had also been recovered. 

He added: “We appreciate this incident will also have caused concern in the community where it took place and officers will be maintaining a presence in the area to reassure local people that the situation is under control.” 

The injured officer’s male colleague was not hurt in the shooting.

 Simon Wyatt