Thames Valley Police has referred itself to the police watchdog after a man was gunned down in an incident in High Wycombe last night.

A policeman was shot with a crossbow as officers responded to reports of a stabbing in School Lane, Downley, at around 6pm.

The suspect, identified as a 54-year-old man, was then shot by armed police. He has been taken to hospital where he is in serious condition. 

He has also been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. 

Last night Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe said: “We have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”

A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct told the Free Press: “We can confirm we have received a referral from Thames Valley Police in relation to an incident at Downley on Friday evening (10 May). We are now awaiting further information before carrying out an assessment to decide what further action may be required from us.”