Police response to report of man with firearm - Humberside Police, December 2019

At around 1 am on 15 December 2019, Humberside Police received a report from a member of the public of a man walking the streets in Hull in possession of a handgun. Police monitored the man’s movements on council CCTV, and deployed armed officers to locate and detain him. On encountering the man, officers shouted clear instructions to the man to drop his gun. The man moved towards the officers and aimed his handgun at one of them. The officer fired two shots at the man, one of which struck him in the chest. Officers provided first aid, and the man was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery for a serious but non-fatal injury. The man subsequently recovered, and later admitted possessing an imitation handgun and was sentenced for firearms offences.

Following a mandatory referral from Humberside Police, we carried out an independent investigation into the non-fatal police shooting. IOPC investigators obtained and reviewed council CCTV and officers’ body-worn video footage. We also analysed the force’s incident log, and radio and telephone communications. We considered witness statements from the officers and staff involved, the man who was shot, and others. We reviewed other relevant documentation from Humberside Police including force policies, and obtained a report from a firearms instructor expert. We produced a compilation of visual footage and audio recordings to provide a real-time portrayal of events from the 999 call through to the rendering of first aid after the shooting.

We were of the opinion the police decision-making in responding to a man reported walking in a public area carrying what was believed to be a viable firearm was appropriate. It was necessary and proportionate for armed officers to deliver a tactical challenge from the cover of their police vehicles, and for an officer to discharge their firearm. It was regrettable the man chose not to comply with clear and unambiguous instructions to drop his weapon. In our view the actions of the officers involved were in line with force and national policies on firearms deployment, and they deserved credit for their professional handling of a highly threatening situation to safeguard themselves and the public. The officer who fired showed considerable empathy towards the man immediately afterwards when treating his injuries.

During the investigation there was no indication any police officer may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence.

We concluded our investigation in March 2020. We have waited for the conclusion of criminal proceedings against the injured man before publishing the outcome.