A Swindon man was fatally shot by police this morning after reportedly pointing a gun an armed officer responding to a disturbance.
Eyewitnesses say the 57-year-old was intoxicated and armed with a rifle when police arrived at the scene of an argument between two males in Rodbourne at around 2am.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the shooting in Summers Street, which is likely to be a crime scene for the next 24 hours.
It is not yet clear if the gun the man was brandishing at the time was a viable firearm, air rifle or replica.
“At this early stage it is believed a 57-year-old man has been fatally shot during the police response to reports of two men arguing in the street”, the police watchdog said.
Adding: “He was declared dead in an ambulance at 2.56am.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of those affected by this terrible incident.
“IOPC investigators are at the scene, and the post incident procedures where the key police witnesses will provide their initial accounts.
“It is mandatory for us to conduct an independent investigation when the police fatally shoot a member of the public. We have established protocols with the police to ensure our investigations do not hinder their ability to conduct enquiries as part of their related investigations.”
