Armed officers and negotiators were called to a house in East London yesterday (October 10)
The man shot by police in Walthamstow during a four-hour stand-off has been left with life-changing injuries. Family members called 999 at 10am on Friday (October 10) reporting their relative on Stow Crescent had a gun and was threatening to hurt himself.
Armed officers and negotiators were stationed outside the house into the afternoon as the man inside threatened to seriously harm anyone who came in then shoot himself. At around 2pm, after a bang was heard, officers entered the property and discharged their weapons, the Metropolitan Police said.
A sweep uncovered what they believe to be a firearm, the force added. The man was initially treated at the scene by police medics and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.
He was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition but has since stabilised. His injuries are, however, said to be life-changing.
A cordon remained in place overnight, with residents urged to avoid the area, where possible. Stella Creasy, the MP for Walthamstow, has asked that people do not speculate about the circumstances of the incident.
Met Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “Our thoughts at this time are with the injured man and his family.
“I know this news will be concerning for the community in Walthamstow and the wider public in London. However, I want to reassure you, incidents where officers discharge their firearms are incredibly rare.
“Armed officers do a difficult job for London, they respond to 4,000 calls a year, placing themselves in danger to protect others. They make split-second decisions in incredibly difficult and challenging circumstances, and I am grateful to all of them for their professionalism and bravery.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the incident.
IOPC statement
An IOPC spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have started an independent investigation into the actions of the Met Police during an incident at an address in Walthamstow where we understand a man was shot by police this afternoon and taken to hospital.
“After being notified by the Met Police we declared an independent investigation at 4.13pm this afternoon and have sent investigators to the scene and to the post-incident procedure to begin gathering evidence. Our investigation is in the very early stages.”
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