IOPC to investigate police shooting in East London
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is to begin an investigation after a man was left with “life-changing” injuries after being shot by armed officers during an incident on Friday (October 10).
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said officers were called to an address in Stow Crescent, Walthamstow at around 10am after family members reported a man was inside the property with a gun, threatening to harm himself. It was understood he was alone at that time, the force said.
“Officers and trained negotiators were on scene for a number of hours and a cordon remained in place,” the MPS said. “As the incident developed the man threatened to seriously harm anyone coming into the address and shoot himself.
“At around 14:00hrs officers entered after hearing a bang from inside. As they entered, weapons were discharged. The circumstances of what happened prior to this and within the property will form part of the investigation.”
The man was treated at the scene by police medics and the London Ambulance Service and then taken to hospital. The force said the man’s condition has now been assessed as “non-life threatening, but life-changing”, and he remains in hospital.
MPS Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “Our thoughts at this time are with the injured man and his family.
“I know this news will be concerning for the community in Walthamstow and the wider public in London. However, I want to reassure you, incidents where officers discharge their firearms are incredibly rare.
“It is right that there is a full investigation into the circumstances around this incident, and the IOPC is leading this. This process must take its course and while that is ongoing it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
He added: “Armed officers do a difficult job for London, they respond to 4,000 calls a year, placing themselves in danger to protect others. They make split-second decisions in incredibly difficult and challenging circumstances, and I am grateful to all of them for their professionalism and bravery.”
The MPS said the incident was referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards, which in turn made a mandatory referral to the IOPC, which has declared an independent investigation.