IOPC investigating Romford shooting
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating a fatal police shooting in London.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service were called to an address in Romford early on Monday (April 9) in response to reports of a man armed with a gun.
Three firearms officers arrived at the scene and were informed that the man had left the building.
Richard Cottier, 41, was located at a nearby petrol station and was shot at around 4.45am.
He was pronounced dead 30 minutes later.
A firearm that appears to be non-police issue was recovered from the scene and will now be examined.
The force referred the incident to its professional standards department and the IOPC, which has now launched an investigation.
IOPC regional director Sarah Green said: “As we begin our investigation, my thoughts are with the man’s family and friends and all those affected by this incident.
“Our investigators are at the scene carefully overseeing the collection of forensic evidence. We have attended the MPS’s post incident procedures where officers are providing us with witness accounts.
“The three officers were equipped with body worn video, which has been provided to us – and we are also recovering CCTV from the area, as well as undertaking house to house enquiries.
“We have met with the man’s next of kin and we will be keeping them informed as our investigation progresses.”