A man is in hospital after being shot by police at a property in Walthamstow, north-east London, on Friday afternoon. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the incident.
Police received a call from family members at 10am reporting that the man was inside the property armed with a gun and threatening to harm himself. Officers and negotiators spent about four hours at the scene.
As the situation developed, the man threatened to seriously harm anyone entering the address and to shoot himself. At around 2pm, officers entered the property by force after hearing a bang from inside. Weapons were discharged as they entered.
The man was treated at the scene by police medics and the London Ambulance Service before being taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition. His condition has since improved and is now assessed as non-life threatening but life-changing. He remains in hospital.
Cordons are in place around the property, and the public is asked to stay away. The incident is contained with no wider threat to the public. The matter has been referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards and the IOPC.
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, but incidents where officers discharge their firearms are incredibly rare. It is right that there is a full investigation.'
