Statement from IOPC regarding Westminster shooting

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has begun an independent investigation following an incident involving officers from the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police in Great Scotland Yard in Westminster, London WC2 around 11.25pm on 8 March.

At this early stage it is believed a man has been fatally shot during the police response to reports of a man carrying knives and acting suspiciously.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of those affected by this terrible incident.

IOPC investigators are on the way to 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.