Assistant Chief Constable speaks out after man was shot by armed police officers in Bromsgrove yesterday - The Bromsgrove Standard

Assistant Chief Constable speaks out after man was shot by armed police officers in Bromsgrove yesterday

Bromsgrove Editorial 4th Nov, 2018 Updated: 5th Nov, 2018   0

POLICE have provided an update on the yesterday’s incident where a man was shot by armed officers.

It happened in School Lane at 1.44am when police responded to reports of a man with a handgun.

Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans said shots were fired by two trained officers.

“Officers at the scene immediately gave the man emergency first aid for gunshot wounds.




“He has since received surgery and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

“No-one else was hurt during the incident.


“The carrying of a police firearm is only allowed after officers have completed a rigorous assessment and ongoing, regular training.

“We rely on our firearms officers’ judgement and decision making skills in response to dynamic situations, in what are always difficult circumstances.”

He confirmed the matter had been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) which would be carrying out an independent investigation in due course.

“It is important we let the IOPC carry out their investigation without prejudice or speculation and we will cooperate fully with them throughout.”

The IOPC confirmed it had launched an investigation into the incident.

In a statement on its website it said: “West Mercia Police received separate reports from members of the public that a man had been seen in possession of a handgun at different locations in Bromsgrove.”

It added the man had been acting suspiciously in bushes and as a result of the concerns the armed officers had been sent to the scene.

The officers had encountered him in The Tryst, a residential street north of the town and close to the A38.

“Moments later shots were fired by two armed officers, and the injured 53-year-old man was then taken to hospital by ambulance.

“His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.”

The IOPC said after West Mercia Police notified the organisation, investigators were sent to the scene as part of the police post incident procedure.

Body worn video footage was gathered and would be reviewed, along with witness accounts have been provided by the officers involved. Investigators have also overseen police forensic examinations which have included recovery of a non-police issue weapon from the scene.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “Fortunately police shootings are rare occurrences, but where potentially lethal force is used by officers it is appropriate that we carry out a thorough, independent investigation.”

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Bromsgrove Standard newspaper

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Bromsgrove Standard