Man shot dead by police had sword, crossbows, hatchet, and body armour
A man shot dead by armed police had been trying to force his way into someone's home with a sword, crossbow and a hatchet, it has emerged.
The 30-year-old had also been wearing body armour when he tried to break into the home in Southwark in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Independent Office of Police Conduct said. Police were alerted shortly before 5am after the residents inside the property raised the alarm.
Officers then rushed to the scene and tried to speak with the man before he entered the home and armed back-up was called. He was then shot and sadly died at the scene. Now more details about the shooting and events leading up to it have emerged.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, the police watchdog said it was investigating the shooting after a mandatory referral from the Met Police, which is protocol after any fatal shooting. Detectives remained at the scene on Bywater Place in Rotherhithe, Southwark, throughout the day and have since reviewed police bodycam footage.
Forensics at the scene of the shooting in Southwark on Tuesday (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)An IOPC spokesperson said evidence so far has established that the man, who was known to one of the people inside, had been threatening to harm them. "Local police officers unsuccessfully attempted to speak to the man who had gained entry to the property," the watchdog said, "but then called for assistance from armed officers after being threatened.
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"After arriving at the scene, the armed officers then entered the house where the man was shot. We can confirm two shots were fired from a police issue firearm, which will be subject to further analysis. Among the weapons found at the scene were crossbows, a knife, a sword and a hatchet.
Scene of a fatal police shooting in Southwark, South London (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)"The man, who was wearing body armour, was taken outside the property and given first aid but, sadly, died at the scene." Investigations continued on Tuesday evening following the shooting.
The man's next of kin meanwhile have been informed about his death. Officers present at the time have also given statements on their accounts from the events which unfolded.
The scene of the shooting on Tuesday (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: “Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragic incident. The man’s next of kin have been informed and, in due course, we will be contacting them to explain our role. We will keep them regularly updated throughout our investigation. Given a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police.
“We appreciate that the community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts and piece together what occurred.” HM Coroner has been informed and a post-mortem examination will take place.
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