Investigation under way into non-fatal shooting by Avon & Somerset Police

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the non-fatal shooting of a man by Avon & Somerset Police at an address in Wick St Lawrence yesterday (Monday).

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.

We are continuing to analyse officers’ body-worn video and are conducting house to house enquiries in the immediate vicinity. We will also be gathering more detailed statements from the relevant officers.

The 31-year-old man remains in hospital for treatment and his condition is described as critical but stable.

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.”