A man has been left seriously injured after being "shot at" in a shocking attack just hours before Christmas Day.

A major police operation is currently underway while the victim is left in hospital with serious injuries to his shoulder.

Officers were called to Station Road, in Loudwater, after panicked 999 reports of a weapon being fired at around 8.20pm yesterday.

A scene watch is currently in place from the roundabout on the A40 to the roundabout on Treadaway Hill, and from Station Road to Fassets Road and Queensmead Road, while forensic investigators have also been seen in the area.

Detective chief inspector Kelly Glister said: “I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of Station Road last night to contact police immediately.

“This is a very serious offence and I would therefore urge anyone who knows anything about the incident, no matter how insignificant you think the information is, to please come forward to police.

“I would like to thank members of the public and the community in the area who have already come forward to police. Thames Valley Police is conducting a thorough investigation into the offence and will be conducting house to house enquiries in the area.

“Officers will also be supporting members of the public who wish to leave their properties throughout the day. We appreciate your patience and co-operation at this time.”

Superintendent Vince Grey, LPA Commander for Chiltern and South Buckinghamshire, said, “We are aware of the disruption that has been caused to the community as a result of this incident, especially over the Christmas period. We are managing the investigation and ask for the public’s patience and understand while we do this.

“We understand this to be an isolated incident and are working to remove the scene watch as soon as we can.

“If you have any information then please contact the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101 quoting reference number 1177 (24/12).

“If you don't want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.”

One man has been arrested while investigations continue.