A man charged in connection with the discharge of a firearm in Lechlade on Monday has been remanded in custody following an appearance in court.
Ben Reynolds, aged 28 and of Springfield Road in Quenington, has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of a shotgun without a certificate.
Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges.
Reynolds appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court earlier today (Wednesday) and he was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday (24 April).
The Force made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior police contact with those involved in the incident.
However, the IOPC has since referred the matter back to the Force to handle in a reasonable and proportionate manner, with no formal direction to investigate.
Inspector Philippa Moore, from the Cotswolds Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I don’t underestimate how frightening this incident would have been for those involved and living nearby.
“My team will continue to carry out reassurance patrols and I’d encourage anyone with concerns to speak to our neighbourhood team.
“My colleagues in CID have worked tirelessly investigating this incident since it happened in order to secure charges quickly, with a suspect now remanded in custody and facing court proceedings. I hope that brings some reassurance to those who have been impacted by what’s happened.”
Criminal proceedings are now active against Reynolds and police would like to remind people there must be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online that may in any way prejudice these proceedings.
