A man is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot by Metropolitan Police officers during an incident in West London on Thursday evening.
The shooting occurred in the Hayes area of Hillingdon, prompting an immediate response from emergency services and triggering an automatic investigation by the police watchdog.
Emergency Response and Investigation
According to official statements, armed officers were deployed to an address in Hayes following reports of a disturbance. During the confrontation, at least one shot was fired, striking the man.
Paramedics from London Ambulance Service rushed to the scene and provided emergency treatment before transporting the victim to a major trauma centre. Medical sources confirm he remains in a "serious but stable" condition.
Police Watchdog Launches Probe
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it has begun a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the discharge of a police firearm.
"Our investigation is in its very early stages," an IOPC spokesperson stated. "We have deployed investigators to the scene and post-incident procedures to begin gathering evidence about what took place."
Standard protocol requires the IOPC to investigate all incidents where police firearms are discharged, ensuring complete transparency and accountability.
Community Reaction and Police Statement
Local residents expressed shock following the incident, with many noting the unusual presence of armed police in the typically quiet neighbourhood.
The Metropolitan Police has referred the matter to the IOPC and confirmed that officers are cooperating fully with the investigation. A police cordon remained in place overnight as forensic examinations continued.
This incident marks another serious case adding to the ongoing national conversation about police use of force and armed response protocols in the UK.
