IOPC investigation opened after man shot dead by Wiltshire Police
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has opened an investigation into the death of a 57-year-old man who was shot by officers from Wiltshire Police just after 2am on Sunday (November 8).
Officers had been called to reports of two men arguing in Summers Street, Swindon. It is understood that the deceased man had been brandishing an air rifle at the time he was shot by an armed officer.
The chair of the Wiltshire Police Federation called for a prompt investigation into the incident.
Mark Andrews said: “Officers who volunteer and are authorised to carry firearms on behalf of society, and who bravely do so to protect the public, are highly trained and are some of the best colleagues we have.
“Our thoughts are with all involved in this incident in Swindon and we are offering our colleagues our full support at this time as they go through the post-incident process.
“We call upon the IOPC to bring their investigation to a prompt conclusion for the benefit of all concerned.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time due to the ongoing investigation.”
The other man involved in the argument has taken to social media to tell neighbours that neither he nor his partner are to blame.
He posted: “As you all already know, a guy died following an argument with me. I’ll be giving a proper statement to the police in due course.
“I have no recollection because I was very drunk – we were having a lovely time with our neighbours and invited that guy to join us as he was on his own.
“Subsequently weapons became involved and the guy was shot dead. Whatever I may or may not have said in my drunken state, it wasn’t me that pulled out a hammer or an air rifle.”
The IOPC said in a statement: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of those affected by this terrible incident.
“IOPC investigators are at the scene and the post-incident procedures where the key police witnesses will provide their initial accounts.
“It is mandatory for us to conduct an independent investigation when the police fatally shoot a member of the public.
“We have established protocols with the police to ensure our investigations do not hinder their ability to conduct inquiries as part of their related investigations.”
Wiltshire Police confirmed a referral had been made to the IOPC regarding the death of a member of the public.
The force’s statement added: “The IOPC are independently investigating this incident, so it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further on it.
“We would, however, like to reassure the public there is no risk to the wider community and that there is likely to be an increased police presence in the area for a considerable time.”
The road where the incident took place is expected to remain closed until later on Monday (November 9)
Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith said Wiltshire Police was continuing to assist the IOPC’s investigation.
She added: “We would like to thank the residents of Summers Street and the wider community for their patience as inquiries continue in the area.
“We appreciate this will likely have caused concern and disruption for many people. However, this work is crucial as the IOPC continue to undertake its inquiries to establish the full facts of what happened.”
