IOPC launches investigation after man shot by armed officer
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation after a man was shot by Nottinghamshire Police.
It happened just off Wellow Road in Ollerton shortly after 1am on Monday (October 20) and followed a 999 call from a member of the public at 12.10am reporting someone in possession of a gun.
Firearms officers were deployed as part of the initial response and encountered a man who was in possession of a knife.
One officer fired a single shot and the 56-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. He remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Nottinghamshire Police said officers arrested both the man and another 32-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause violence.
The incident was referred to the IOPC shortly after the shooting and it declared an independent investigation at around 4am.
IOPC investigators were sent to independently preserve the scene and any evidence. A police firearm has been secured and officers’ body-worn video recovered and viewed.
IOPC Regional Director Emily Barry, said: “Police shootings still remain rare but when they do happen it’s right for public confidence that the decision to discharge a firearm is thoroughly examined.
“We quickly sent IOPC investigators to the scene; they have already made good progress and seized evidence for examination. We have already viewed the officers’ body-worn video to make an initial assessment of the circumstances. The footage verifies that the man was in possession of a knife as he approached the officers.
“All of the officers involved are being treated as witnesses at this time.
“Our enquiries continue, and we will endeavour to work through these as efficiently as possible in order to understand exactly what happened.”
Nottinghamshire Police T/Chief Constable Steve Cooper said: “It is right that there is a full investigation into the circumstances around this incident, and a mandatory referral has now been made to the IOPC.
“This process must take its course and while that is ongoing it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”