The police watchdog has confirmed that a non-police issue gun was found after armed officers shot a man in a Somerset village.
Two firearms officers opened fire on a 31-year-old man at a house in Wick Road, Wick St Lawrence, at around 11.30am on Monday morning (28 November)
The man was critically wounded and an air ambulance was called to the scene. He was soon after rushed to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for treatment, where he remains in critical condition.
A crime scene has closed a section of Wick Road as the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigates the incident.
The watchdog has confirmed that a non-police issue gun was found near to where the man was shot. It has been seized as part of the probe.
One local said: “My children know him, they are the same age. But nobody here really knows what happened yesterday. I really hope he makes a recovery from this.
“Police have been lovely too. Everybody’s been out offering them hot drinks and looking after them while they’re sat out in the cold.”
The shooting occurred in a terraced house in the village, homes that were formally council housing. The crime scene is likely to remain in place for several days whilst the investigation continues.
In a statement, the IOPC said: “We were advised by the force that four officers attended a house in Wick Road at around 11am as part of an investigation into possible firearms offences.
“During the incident that unfolded, at around 11.30am two firearms officers fired a number of shots inside the property.
“A man at the house suffered serious chest injuries and was provided first aid prior to the arrival of an ambulance.
“After being notified yesterday by Avon & Somerset Police, we declared an independent investigation. We sent investigators to the scene and to the post-incident procedure to begin our enquiries and start gathering evidence.
“We are continuing to oversee forensic work at the property today and have obtained initial accounts from the officers involved.
“What appears to be a non-police issue weapon was recovered in the vicinity of where the man was shot. It will be subject to further testing.”
IOPC regional director David Ford said: “Where police officers have used potentially lethal force, it is right that we carry out a thorough independent investigation into the full circumstances.
“We will be examining the force’s planning prior to attending the property and police actions and decision-making during the events that transpired, which resulted in the man being seriously injured.
“My thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by the incident, especially the man and his family while he remains in a critical condition in hospital.”
Avon and Somerset Police said that “conclusions should not be drawn” about the events of Monday morning – adding that a referral to the police watchdog is standard procedure in these circumstances.
“The fact we have referred this incident to the IOPC is standard practice and conclusions should not be drawn about what took place.
“We are committed to being open and transparent and are fully cooperating with the IOPC, providing it with all the access and material it requires.
“In the meantime, we continue to carry out our own investigation into offences which we suspect have been committed.
“No arrests have yet been made and enquiries are continuing.
“While a cordon remains in place on the street, we’d like to reassure local residents we do not believe there is any risk to them.
“We’d also like to thank them for their patience and understanding while we remain at the scene.
“In addition, we’d also like to thank the wider public for their support in relation to this incident.
“We’re grateful for those who have contacted us asking us about the welfare of all those involved and I’d like to reassure them support is being provided to them.”
