Hello Resident,

We are appealing for witnesses to the serious assault and weapons incident in High Wycombe yesterday (10/5).

The man in his sixties who suffered a stab wound during the incident in School Close at around 6pm has been discharged from hospital.

The injured police officer is based at High Wycombe police station. He was discharged from hospital last night and we are supporting him.

The 54-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder remains in hospital under police supervision in a stable condition with serious, potentially life-changing injuries. 

The police cordon remains in place in School Close and the nearby park, but is expected to be reduced later today.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with all of those affected by this distressing incident, the assault victim and his family, our own officers and staff, and the local community.

"The man in his sixties who suffered a stab wound has been discharged from hospital.

"The injured police officer is based at High Wycombe police station. He was discharged from hospital last night and we are supporting him.

"The 54-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder remains in hospital under police supervision in a stable condition with serious, potentially life-changing injuries.

"It is very fortunate no one suffered life-threatening injuries.

"We were able to bring the incident to a swift conclusion, with all victims being treated following a rapid response by South Central Ambulance Service.

"Our officers showed incredible bravery by confronting the armed offender and warning members of the public to keep away; they are a credit to the force and the community.

"We are giving all the support we can to the officer who was injured during the incident; he is in good spirits given the circumstances, as are most of those involved in the events of last night, which shows the remarkable resilience of our people.

"From the first call taker in our control room, who was on their first day taking calls, to the rest of the control room involved, to the attending police officers, including armed response and dog handling teams, to everyone helping in the aftermath, I’d like to thank them all for their efforts and for continuing to show impressive levels of resilience and dedication.

“We are also engaging with the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as mandatory in these circumstances.”

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, head of our Major Crime Unit, said: “We are investigating this incident as an absolute priority with numerous officers and members of staff involved. An arrest has already been made and we are not looking for anyone else.

“I would like to appeal for anyone who witnessed any part of the incident who is yet to speak to police to please do so as soon as possible.

“The incident occurred at a busy time of day so we’re sure there are likely to be many witnesses and people with information, pictures or footage relating to the incident.

 “The incident occurred at a busy time of day so I’m sure there are likely to be many witnesses and people with information, pictures or footage relating to the incident.

“If you were in School Close, the nearby park or the surrounding area from 5.45pm yesterday, please get in touch.

“You can do so by calling 101 or via our website, quoting reference number 43240217434.

“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.

“Please do not share material on social media; instead, send it to us via our website.

“A large police cordon is in place to protect the crime scene but we hope to reduce this later today; thank you to the local community for your patience and co-operation during this disruption.”

Buckinghamshire commander Chief Superintendent Emma Burroughs said: “This was a hugely challenging and unsettling incident for the local community in Downley and our people.

“I do not underestimate the impact it has had on the community so we are doing all we can to support people, such as patrols in the area over the coming day and engagement with stakeholders such as councillors, the MP and our independent advisory group.

“Of course, there is still a large police presence in School Close and the nearby park so anyone with concerns can speak to a uniformed police officer there.

“We are also aware of the impact on our officers and staff in the local command unit in Buckinghamshire so we have welfare resources in place and sending our best wishes to the injured officer.”

Kind regards,