Shot Pc vows to return to streets

Pc Rachael Bown said she was overwhelmed by the support

The police officer who was shot while investigating a burglary has said she plans to return to the same city beat.

Pc Rachael Bown spent a week in intensive care after she was shot in the stomach in the Lenton district of Nottingham 10 days ago.

Speaking from her hospital bed, the 23-year-old probationary officer said she had been "overwhelmed" by the support she had received.

She said she planned to spend her working life as a police officer.

The officer was released from hospital on Thursday after treatment for the wound she received when she was hit by a bullet just below her stab vest.

"The support I've had from colleagues and the force has been fantastic," Pc Bown said.

I'm also desperate to see my dog, Winston, I've really missed him Pc Rachael Bown

"It's unbelievable, I still can't quite take it in. I've been receiving up to a hundred get-well cards every day," she went on.

"People from all over the world have been sending me things. It's very touching."

Pc Bown plans to write and thank as many people as possible as she recovers at home with her parents and sisters.

"I'm feeling a lot better, the doctors say I am doing well and they are happy with the progress I'm making," she said.

"I've got to take things slowly and get plenty of rest but it will be nice to be with my family and friends. I'm also desperate to see my dog, Winston, I've really missed him."

The officer, speaking for the first time since the shooting, praised staff at the Queen's Medical Centre for saving her life.

Chief Superintendent Marcus Beale, divisional commander for Nottingham, said he was delighted Pc Bown was making good progress and was well enough to go home.

A 24-year-old man from Bilborough, Nottingham, has been charged with attempted murder.