Shot officer speaks of pub raid

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A police officer has spoken about the moment she was shot in the leg in a raid at a pub on New Year's Eve.

Pc Katie Johnson, 29, was shot by a suspected robber fleeing from the Hospital Inn at Bamber Bridge, near Preston, early on Monday morning.

The dog handler, who is recovering at home, said it had been her natural reaction to challenge the offender.

"I'm a police officer and I joined to try and protect and help people," said Pc Johnson.

She added: "Everything happened so quickly. One minute I was at the pub, the next in an ambulance being taken the hospital.

"The past few days have been a particularly stressful time for me and my family. I don't think the reality of what happened on Monday has sunk in yet."

She thanked her colleagues and staff at the Lancashire Ambulance Service who took her to hospital, but said one of her first thoughts was for her police dog, Chaos.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him," she said.

"I'm told that the workers at the pub and Ian [Pc Ian Tinsley] are all doing well and I'm pleased at that.

Four people were inside the pub when it was raided

"It must have been a horrific time for the staff and I hope they make a full recovery and are able to get the pub open soon.

"I plan to get myself ready for action and look forward to returning to work."

Pc Johnson, who is based in Ormskirk, was one of several officers responding to a 999 call at the pub.

Four people were thought to be in the pub when two men wearing balaclavas burst in at about 0815 GMT.

The pub's chef sustained serious head injuries in the attack and was taken to Chorley Hospital for treatment.

Pc Johnson was treated in hospital for 12 pellet wounds to the top of her left leg but was later released.

Two men are being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder and suspicion of armed robbery.

Both men are from the Manchester area and are being questioned at a Leyland police station.