THAMES Valley Police is to be prosecuted for breaching health and safety law after a call centre worker was shot in the chest during a firearms training day.

Keith Tilbury was shot during a firearms awareness training day at Oxford Spires Business Park, in Kidlington, in May 2007.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today announced after an investigation lasting two years it will prosecute Thames Valley Police and Pc Dave Micklethwaite over alleged breaches of health and safety law.

Firearms instructor Pc Micklethwaite, who was deployed to other areas of the force after the shooting, and his employer Thames Valley Police both face one charge in relation to Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The case will be heard at Banbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 15.

Assistant Chief Constable Brian Langston said: “Thames Valley Police has received notification from the Health and Safety Executive that they will be prosecuting both the Force and an officer.

“The prosecution is in relation to a firearms incident in which a member of police staff was injured during a training exercise at police headquarters in May 2007.

“As legal proceedings are active, it would be inappropriate to comment further on the case at this time, although full co-operation has been provided to the HSE.

“Thames Valley Police has provided extensive support to all staff involved in the incident and will continue to do so throughout the prosecution.”