Man arrested after West Yorkshire Police officer shot in Leeds Published duration 4 December 2013

image caption The female officer was injured while responding to reports of a disturbance at a property in Cardigan Road

image caption Armed police maintained a heavy presence in the area through the morning

image caption A 37-year-old man was arrested on Wood Lane in Headingley shortly after 10:00 GMT. Police said a firearm was found in the area

A man has been arrested after a policewoman was shot in a "brutal and unprovoked attack" in Leeds.

The officer and a colleague were called to a disturbance in Cardigan Road, Headingley, at about 04:00 GMT, when they were were confronted by a man and a gun was fired, police said.

The officer's injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

West Yorkshire Police said a 37-year-old man was arrested at 10:10 GMT in Wood Lane in Headingley.

Earlier, police were looking for James Leslie, 37, in connection with the shooting.

'Very serious criminal'

Ch Supt Paul Money, from West Yorkshire Police, said the officers were responding to reports of "a relatively low-level criminal damage neighbour-type dispute".

He said: "A firearm was discharged at the officers and the female officer has sustained injuries to her face, neck and right hand."

image caption Earlier police were looking for James Leslie in connection with the shooting

The injured officer was a 33-year-old member of a neighbourhood response team, police said.

The force spokesman said she was in "a poorly but stable" condition in hospital.

Mark Gilmore, Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, said: "I wish to pay a huge tribute to the bravery and selfless dedication of my colleagues who, whilst responding to a routine call about anti-social behaviour, sustained a violent, unprovoked and brutal attack from a lone gunman.

"I also wish to place on record my sincere appreciation and admiration for my colleagues, who led the subsequent investigation and quickly and professionally brought this very serious criminal incident to a safe conclusion.

"I take this opportunity to reassure the public that there is no continuing threat to the safety of communities within West Yorkshire, arising from this incident."

'Really worrying'

Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Dodd said: "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."

He said the arrest followed information from the public and a firearm had also been recovered.

media caption Chief Supt Paul Money, West Yorkshire Police: "We were in control of the situation very quickly"

He added: "We appreciate this incident will also have caused concern in the community where it took place and officers will be maintaining a presence in the area to reassure local people that the situation is under control."

The injured officer's male colleague was not hurt in the shooting.

Kieran Williams, a resident of Cardigan Road, said he heard shots being fired in the early hours.