IPCC to investigate fatal shootings

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to investigate two separate incidents in Durham and Sussex, where two members of the public were fatally shot by the police.
The first incident, on May 8, saw 64-year-old Mervyn Tussler shot dead by firearms officers from Sussex Police. A post mortem conducted found that Mr Tussler died from a single gunshot wound to his torso. 
The IPCC investigation confirmed that a Taser gun had not been discharged during the incident. It is believed that Mr Tussler had engaged in open fire with officers and a bullet has been recovered from the tactical vest of one of the firearms officers.  
IPCC Commissioner Mike Franklin said: “I extend my deepest sympathies to Mr Tussler’s family at this very difficult time. I also don’t underestimate the effect this must have had on the officers involved. I am assured that Sussex Police is taking the relevant steps to support them.”
In a separate incident in County Durham, a man was shot dead by Durham Constabulary officers in a siege at a house in Durham.
Two uniformed officers responding to 999 calls went to the house where they saw a man with what they thought was a crossbow. Armed police surrounded the house after the officers reported that the crossbow had been fired.
In the early hours of the morning officers fired at the man, believed to be in his late 40s, said the IPCC, which is investigating the death. Paramedics went to the scene but the man died there at about 2.10am.
Superintendent Graham Hall, from Durham Police, said the officers involved in the shooting were receiving support.
He said: “When officers arrived they were confronted by a gentleman armed with a crossbow and unfortunately during the course of the incident it is with deep regret that the gentleman was shot by police.”