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Armed robber blasts woman officer Shot officer praised for bravery
(about 2 hours later)
A woman police constable was hit in the leg by 12 pellets from a shotgun when an escaping robber shot at her. A female police officer who was shot by a robber fleeing from a pub raid has been praised for her bravery.
Pc Katie Johnson, 29, was with other officers outside the Hospital Inn in Bamber Bridge, near Preston, Lancashire, after reports of a raid. Pc Katie Johnson, 29, was shot in the leg outside the Hospital Inn in Bamber Bridge, near Preston, Lancashire.
One of the two robbers fired at her as he came out of the pub. Pc Johnson, a dog handler, was treated at Royal Preston Hospital and later released. Police have commended Pc Johnson, a dog handler who is now recovering at home, for her "considerable bravery".
A man, aged in his 40s, was later arrested, said police. A man in his 40s has been arrested and is being questioned, but a manhunt is under way and the shotgun used in the attack has not been found.
Lancashire's Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham praised Pc Johnson's bravery. Police are appealing for the public's help in tracing a man described as white, big and aggressive, with a stocky, muscular build, at least 6ft tall and with dark-coloured eyes.
'Incredibly violent' He was wearing a black padded jacket at the time of the raid.
"She showed considerable bravery to challenge an armed man," he said. This was an incredibly violent incident - the level of violence was extreme Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham
"It's a mercy that we are not dealing with a murder inquiry today. Detectives are warning members of the public not to confront this man but to contact them or Crimestoppers.
"This was an incredibly violent incident - the level of violence was extreme." Pc Johnson was one of several officers responding to a 999 call at the pub at 0815 GMT.
He said the weapon used in the raid had not been found and warned that anyone involved in the raid could pose a danger to the public. Four people were in the pub when two men wearing balaclavas burst in.
Officers believe a red Vauxhall Vectra with the registration plate N396 RHO was used in the robbery.
Four people were in the pub when two men wearing balaclavas, struck just before 0830 GMT.
One man who works in the pub was seriously hurt in the attack and was taken to Chorley Hospital.One man who works in the pub was seriously hurt in the attack and was taken to Chorley Hospital.
Police refused to reveal the nature of his injuries, but said he was not shot.Police refused to reveal the nature of his injuries, but said he was not shot.
The robbers fled down the nearby Trans Pennine Railway line, which has been closed while police search the area. Officers said two men emerged from the pub and one of them shot at Pc Johnson as he made his getaway.
She was hit by 12 pellets and was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital. She was released after treatment.
Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham described the incident as "callous" and "beyond the pale".
He said Pc Johnson showed considerable bravery to challenge an armed man.
"It's a mercy that we are not dealing with a murder inquiry today," he said.
"This was an incredibly violent incident - the level of violence was extreme."
Officers believe a red Vauxhall Vectra with the registration plate N396 RHO was used in the robbery.
The robbers are believed to have fled down a nearby railway line, which was closed while police searched the area.
Officers are appealing for anyone with information about the robbery to contact them.Officers are appealing for anyone with information about the robbery to contact them.