A man in his 40s was shot by police in Bristol yesterday after a member of the public reported seeing what they believed to be a firearm at an address on Fishponds Road in Eastville. The incident occurred shortly before 5.30pm, and the man was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.
Armed officers deployed after firearm report
Avon and Somerset Police said that a member of the public reported seeing "what they believed to be a firearm at an address". Armed officers arrived at the scene, and police firearms were discharged before negotiators arrived, according to a statement from the force.
The man, who is in his 40s, was "immediately treated" at the scene by paramedics and was conscious and breathing when taken to hospital. He remains in a stable condition in hospital for treatment of injuries not currently believed to be life-threatening. Police said they had not been able to trace his next of kin.
No wider risk to public, IOPC referral made
No officers were injured, and it is not believed there is any wider risk to the public. No arrests have been made. An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) referral has been made in relation to the incident.
The force said that support is in place or will be offered to everyone involved, and that a cordon remains at the address on Fishponds Road while enquiries continue.
Superintendent comments on the incident
Superintendent Matt Ebbs said: "A mandatory referral to the IOPC is always made when someone is seriously injured following police contact." He added: "We will co-operate with the IOPC to ensure transparency over our actions and decisions."
Ebbs described the role of firearms officers as "incredibly challenging", noting they are "rigorously trained, tested and held to the highest standards". He said they are deployed when a significant risk to the public or officers' safety has been identified, and that "this type of incident, while very rare, is distressing".
He confirmed: "We'll have an increased high-visibility police presence in the area over the coming days. I'd urge anyone with any concerns to engage with our officers on patrol."
