East London man shot by police after armed standoff — investigation underway

A man has sustained ’life-changing’ injuries after being shot by police in east London.

Officers were called to a home in Walthamstow at around 10am on Friday following reports of a man with a gun threatening to harm himself.

Negotiators spent approximately four hours at the scene before armed officers forced entry and shot the man, according to the Met Police.

The force said in a statement: ’As the situation unfolded, the man threatened to cause serious harm to anyone entering the property and to shoot himself.

’Around 2pm, officers entered after hearing a loud noise from inside. As they entered, weapons were discharged.

’The circumstances of what occurred prior to this and within the property will be part of the investigation.’

The man was taken to the hospital with life-changing but not life-threatening injuries.

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 broader public in London.

’However, I want to reassure you that 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 Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is leading this.

’This process must take its course, and while that is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.

’Armed officers do a difficult job for London, they respond to 4,000 calls a year, putting 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.

’Our officers remain on the scene, and I would like to thank residents for their assistance and cooperation throughout the day.’

The Met says the incident is ’contained’ and there is no wider threat to the public.

A Met Police spokesperson said: ’The incident was referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards, who in turn made a mandatory referral to the IOPC, which has declared an independent investigation.’

An IOPC spokesperson said on Friday: ’We can confirm that we have started an independent investigation into the actions of the Met Police during an incident at an address in Walthamstow, east London, where we understand a man was shot by police this afternoon and taken to hospital.

’After being notified by the Met Police, we declared an independent investigation at 4:13pm this afternoon and have sent investigators to the scene and to the post-incident procedure to begin gathering evidence.

’Our investigation is in the very early stages.’