A 60-year-old man has died after being shot by armed police officers in a Norfolk village. The incident occurred on Friday evening in Downham Market, following reports of a man in possession of a handgun.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Shooting
The chain of events began just after 5:30 PM on 22 March, when police received a call concerning a man with a handgun in the Bexwell Road area. Shortly afterwards, officers were alerted to a road traffic collision involving a blue Mazda 2 on the A1122 at the junction with the A10.
Police have confirmed that the man involved in the crash was the same individual reported to be in possession of the firearm. Armed response units were deployed to the scene. Following an interaction, shots were fired by police and the man sustained fatal injuries. Despite immediate efforts to provide first aid, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Independent Investigation Launched
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been notified and has commenced an independent investigation, as is standard procedure following a police shooting. The IOPC will examine the circumstances surrounding the contact between the armed officers and the deceased man.
A spokesperson for Norfolk Police stated that a mandatory referral had been made to the police watchdog. The force has expressed that its thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragic event.
The scene remained cordoned off for forensic examination throughout Saturday, with police presence expected to continue. Local residents reported a significant emergency service response, including air ambulances.
Community Impact and Ongoing Inquiries
The incident has caused considerable disruption and concern in the quiet community of Downham Market. Road closures were in place on the A1122 for many hours, affecting local travel.
Detectives are continuing their investigations into the initial reports of the handgun and the circumstances leading up to the collision. Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information, particularly dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident, to come forward.
The identity of the deceased man has not yet been formally released by authorities, pending notification of next of kin. The IOPC's investigation is now the central focus for establishing a full account of the actions taken by the officers involved.
