STAND OFF – A man armed with a crossbow who forced himself inside a house and threatened to harm the residents has died after being shot by police officers.
The Stand-off
Police were called to a property in Bywater Place, Surrey Quays, at 4.55am to reports of a man, believed to be in his 30s, attempting to force entry into a resident building.
Officers tried to speak to him but were threatened, leading to the arrival of police marksmen shortly after, who discharged a firearm once the man got inside the property.
Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service immediately provided first aid but the man died at the scene. Enquiries are ongoing to inform his next of kin and a police cordon has been set around the scene.
Police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the incident, in line with standard practice for a fatal police shooting.
Statement From Police
Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, responsible for policing Southwark, said: ‘My thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.
‘I understand the local community will be concerned at the events that have taken place this morning. We will fully support the IOPC investigation into the full circumstances of what happened.’
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The IOPC spokesperson said its investigators were at the scene on Tuesday morning.
Investigations Are Ongoing
‘We have begun an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a man by the Metropolitan Police Service earlier this morning in Southwark, south London,’ said a spokesperson for the watchdog.
‘We were notified by the MPS after the incident, which occurred shortly before 5am, and declared an independent investigation at around 6.40am.
‘We have sent investigators to the scene and the police post incident procedure to begin gathering evidence. Our investigation is in its very early stages.’
Councilor Adam Hood, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Surrey Docks, said he was ‘deeply concerned’ by the news.
He wrote on social media: ‘Deeply concerned by this news from Bywater Place. Details are still emerging but at this point I’m thankful to the fast response from emergency services.’
