Dramatic police transcripts have laid bare the chaotic moments following a shooting at a prominent Catholic church in Westminster, revealing officers' urgent efforts to secure the area and locate a gunman.
The incident unfolded at the Annunciation Catholic Church on Bryanston Street, sending shockwaves through the central London community and triggering a massive police response.
Frantic Police Communications
According to the released transcripts, the first emergency calls reported an armed individual at the church premises. Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene with instructions to approach with extreme caution.
One transmission captured the urgency of the situation: "Armed response required immediately. Reports of shots fired within the church building. Multiple persons potentially at risk."
Securing the Scene
The documents reveal how police swiftly established a perimeter around the church, cordoning off nearby streets and redirecting traffic away from the area. Residents and pedestrians were advised to avoid the vicinity as the situation developed.
Officers could be heard coordinating their efforts to ensure no one entered the danger zone while simultaneously attempting to establish communication with anyone inside the building.
Search for the Suspect
Police communications indicate an extensive search was launched for the suspected gunman, with descriptions circulated among responding units. The transcripts detail how armed officers systematically cleared the church building and surrounding areas.
Witness accounts gathered at the scene suggested the shooter may have fled before police arrival, prompting a wider area search and review of local CCTV footage.
Community in Shock
The shooting has left the local Catholic community reeling, with regular worshippers expressing shock and disbelief that such violence could occur at their place of worship.
One nearby business owner described the sudden influx of police vehicles and the rapid establishment of crime scene tape that transformed the normally quiet street into a hub of emergency activity.
Police have assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway and additional security measures have been implemented at religious buildings across Westminster following the alarming incident.
