Investigation progressing into fatal police shooting in Swindon

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation is progressing after a man was fatally shot by Wiltshire Police on a residential street in Swindon on Sunday morning (8 November).

The incident occurred in Summers Street, Swindon shortly after 2 am when police were called to reports of an argument between two men outside an address.

A firearms officer was first to attend the scene in an unmarked police vehicle, closely followed by two other officers in a marked police car. During the incident a 57 year-old man was shot in the chest by the firearms officer.

We understand officers began CPR and an ambulance was called, but sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene in the ambulance shortly before 3 am. Formal identification of the deceased is yet to take place.

After being notified by Wiltshire Police, IOPC investigators attended both Summers Street and the police post-incident procedures. Initial accounts from the three officers and other relevant police personnel have been obtained. Accounts are being reviewed, along with body worn video, and all officers at present are being treated as witnesses.

At this stage we have verified that one shot was fired by the officer from a Glock handgun. What appears to be a non-police issue firearm has been recovered from the scene and will be undergoing forensic examination.

We are undertaking house to house enquiries in Summers Street and will be speaking to a number of potential witnesses in the coming days.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “We have had initial contact with the man’s family to explain our role and I send them my condolences for their loss, and my thoughts are with everyone affected. We are at an early stage of our investigation and will be reviewing body-worn video footage from the officers involved as part of our enquiries. It is right where lethal force has been used that we carry out an independent investigation to carefully examine the circumstances and police actions.”

A post mortem is being carried out today (Monday). The Coroner has been informed.

The IOPC investigates the most serious and sensitive incidents and allegations involving the police in England and Wales.