BRITAIN: A siege was under way last night after a policeman was blasted in the chest while trying to arrest a suspect, officers said.
PC David Lomas (34) was shot shortly before 2.15pm yesterday as he was attempting to make the arrest at a property in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, in England.
He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital by air ambulance where his condition is described as "comfortable".
PC Lomas, from Bury, Greater Manchester, worked as a community beat manager and joined the force in August 2001. He and a colleague visited the house on Hardman Avenue shortly before 2pm on a routine inquiry.
PC Lomas became involved in a row with a man at the property who then opened fire, hitting him in the chest.
The gunman is understood to have barricaded himself inside the property and trained negotiators were at the scene, attempting to establish communications.
The area around the building on Hardman Avenue was cordoned off by officers while the siege continued.
Police have not disclosed the grounds on which the suspect was being arrested.
A spokeswoman said: "The officer is being treated at the Royal Preston Hospital for a chest wound which has now been confirmed as being a result of a shot wound. The officer's condition is described as being comfortable. Officers are still at the scene and are currently working to resolve the situation."
No details were available about the weapon used in the shooting.
Armed police surrounded the house in the south of the town, and several roads around the building were closed.
Paramedics arrived at the scene at 3.05pm and the injured officer was taken to Royal Preston Hospital by air ambulance in less than 10 minutes.
It is understood his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening at this stage.
A Lancashire Police spokeswoman said the victim's relatives had been told.
Jan Berry, chairman of the Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said: "This incident just demonstrates the kind of dangerous situations police officers are facing on our streets every day. Our thoughts are with the officer at this time.
"A proper investigation needs to be carried out as to the circumstances that surrounded this terrible event." - (PA)