Two police officers were due to have surgery today following an incident in Kingsbridge yesterday.
Police were called to an address in Retreat Close, Kingsbridge at around 4.30pm following threats made by a man in the area to another resident.
Two police officers attended the scene and both sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
A police cordon was set up and the area evacuated as negotiations with the man took place. Police entered the property at around 8.30pm and safely brought the incident to a close.
A 53-year-old man is currently in police custody following the incident
Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Eastwood, Acting Devon Commander said: “Following the incident in Kingsbridge yesterday (13th May), two police officers suffered serious arm injuries and were taken to hospital.
“These two officers remain in hospital and are due to undergo surgery later today. It is important to stress that while these injuries are serious, they are not life threatening. The whole of Devon Cornwall Police sends its best wishes and thoughts to these officers.
“The welfare of our officers, their families, and colleagues is paramount. Resources and support has been put in place to ensure that those affected by this incident have all the support they need. This also is true for those who responded to the aid of the injured officers at the scene, as we would following any traumatic incident.
“We have been inundated with messages from the public sending their best wishes to our injured officers, both in person and via social media – these will of course be passed on. I would like to personally thank the public for
their show of support.”
Ch Supt Eastwood added: “This is a shocking incident and I am aware of the impact that it can have on such a tight knit community as Kingsbridge, and while isolated incidents of this manner can cause concern, I would like to reassure the public that Kingsbridge is a very safe town. The Local Neighbourhood Team is working with community leaders and we will increase patrols in the area to help reassure the public.
“I want to praise the professionalism and bravery of the officers who were involved in both responding too, and safely resolving this incident. Whilst Devon and Cornwall remains one of the safest areas to live in the country, this incident acts as a stark reminder of the daily risks that all police officers face – routinely putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the public.”
Officers are still at Retreat Close, Kingsbridge as our investigations continue. A 53-year-old man remains in custody at Torquay Police Station and is awaiting interview.
