Police have arrested a man following a manhunt in Leeds and surrounding areas after a female police officer was shot.
West Yorkshire Police have reportedly arrested a man in Headingley in connection with the attack, with a firearm recovered from the scene.
Police searched for hours for James Leslie, 37, for his alleged involvement in the incident in the Hyde Park area of Leeds where a police officer was shot around 04:00 this morning. Two police officers were attending a “routine” disturbance call-out when they were confronted by a man who shot at them, seriously injuring a female officer.
The injured officer is currently undergoing treatment in hospital, but her injuries are not life-threatening according to a police spokesperson.
Describing the incident, and thanking the public for their help in finding the suspect after his arrest, Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Dodd said:
“Officers made an arrest at 10.10am on Wood Lane, Leeds, and I can confirm that we have recovered a firearm…This followed information provided to us by a member of the public that a man fitting the description had been seen nearby. An arrest was made quickly and any potential risk to the public has been removed. We are very grateful to members of the public who rang in with information this morning.
The investigation is still at an early stage and it will take some time to establish the course of events. However, West Yorkshire Police will use all the resources available to us to thoroughly investigate this matter.
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.”
