A POLICE chief has reassured Wycombe residents the area remains "a very safe place" despite the launch of a murder inquiry last week and a separate attempted murder investigation in relation to a shooting over the weekend.

Area commander, Supt Gilbert Houalla, said 13 arrests have now been made in relation to the shooting on Saturday at a bus stop in London Road, Wycombe Marsh at about 6pm.

A 20-year-old man was shot in the lower leg and is in a stable condition in hospital.

Police said today a 13-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy, both from High Wycombe, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and violent disorder.

They have been released on bail until February 24.

A 16-year-old girl from High Wycombe has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and making threats to kill and remains in police custody.

A 13-year-old, three 14-year-olds, three 15-year-olds, a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old, who are all male and from the Slough area, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. They have been released on bail until February 23.

A 12-year-old boy from the Slough area was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon. He has been released on bail until February 23.

Last week, in an unrelated incident, John McGrory of Holtspur Avenue was charged with the murder of his wife, Marie, 39, at their home in Wooburn Green after she was found with serious injuries on January 3. She died the next day. (See link below)

Supt Gilbert Houalla said: “This has not been a good week for Wycombe Local Police Area."

He added the year started with a domestic related murder inquiry and ended with an attempted murder - both of which were completely unrelated.

“A man has been charged in relation the first incident and we have made 13 arrests so far in relation to the second incident and I anticipate that more people will be arrested as the investigation develops.

“I would like to reassure you that despite these two incidents Wycombe is a very safe place. Crime in the area is already at an all time low and is getting lower.

“However, if and when people step out of line, then I can assure you that they will be arrested and brought to justice, as some soon will find out.”

Police continue to appeal for witnesses to the shooting incident in London Road and to an earlier disorder at the junction of Gayhurst Road and Baring Road in Micklefield, which happened at about 5pm and may be linked to the shooting. (See link below)

If you can help, please call Thames Valley Police’s 24-hour Enquiry Centre on 101. If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, please call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.