A POLICE officer is recovering after he was shot in the thigh by an arrow fired during a five-and-a-half-hour siege in Adelaide’s west.

Police were called to a Hendon storage facility just after 7.30pm on Sunday after a disturbance between two brothers prompted one of the siblings to ring 000 when he left the scene.

“The male person that contacted police was concerned about the actions and behaviour of his brother,” Detective Chief Inspector Michael Fisher said.

It was believed the man had rented storage at the site and was staying there. Police were not aware of any weapons before they headed out to the disturbance at Hendon.

Det Chief Insp Fisher said when police arrived at the Circuit Drive facility, the suspect allegedly started shooting arrows and officers made “a fast retreat” to take cover behind their vehicles.

“This all happened within a matter of seconds.”

The 23-year-old officer took an arrow in his upper left thigh.

STAR group officers were called in with an armoured vehicle and a stand-off ensued.

Adelaide's Lunchtime Newsbyte 1/5/17 Adelaide's Lunchtime Newsbyte 1/5/17

media_camera Part of an arrow found in a business opposite the storage facility. Picture: Tait Schmaal

The situation resolved about 1am, when a 47-year-old man, of no fixed address, was detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for medical assessment. The injured police officer was also taken to hospital and received five stitches but was discharged a short time later.

“I want to praise the prompt and efficient efforts of the attending police last night in resolving this incident without greater risk to other officers and the community in general,” Det Chief Insp Fisher said.

media_camera Police search the area after a fellow officer was shot with an arrow. Picture: Tait Schmaal

“The incident last night highlights the unknown nature of incidents we attend . . . and certainly without the prompt actions last night it could be a lot more serious.”

Police will allege at least half a dozen shots were fired from a compound bow and bolt set, “a large bow used for target practice”.

The man was later charged with two counts of acts to endanger life, aggravated assault causing harm, property damage and carrying an offensive weapon.

Crime Scene Investigators and detectives inspected a four-wheel-drive and a storage container at the site yesterday morning before seizing several knives and broken arrows.

media_camera A police officer recovers an arrow from in front of the business. Picture: Tait Schmaal

Workers at a nearby business, including Julie Elmes, were surprised to hear of the incident.

“It’s a pretty quiet area,” she said.

Dehlia Sellick was shocked to hear a police officer was injured on duty.

“Poor guy ... and I was shocked hearing about the stabbing on the weekend,” she said.

The storage facility has dozens of makeshift sheds and containers on site available for rent.

The site also has space for caravans and boats.