Investigation progresses into fatal police shooting in Dagenham

Our investigation into the fatal police shooting of a man in Dagenham, east London in November is progressing.

Giedrius Vasiljevas, a 40-year-old Lithuanian national, died after he was shot by a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer following an incident outside an address in Weston Green on 23 November, 2023.

A post-mortem examination has been completed and Mr Vasiljevas’ provisional cause of death has been given as a gunshot wound to his abdomen.

An inquest will be opened tomorrow (13 December) at the East London Coroner’s Court in Walthamstow.

IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin said: “This was a tragic incident and we recognise the devastating impact this has had on Mr Vasiljevas’ family and friends, and all of those affected.

“Fatal police shootings are rare but when they happen, it’s important that there is an independent investigation to establish all of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We recently met with Mr Vasiljevas’ family to extend our condolences and explain our role. We appreciate that his family and friends and the wider community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts. We will, of course, continue to keep Mr Vasiljevas’ family fully informed on progress.”

IOPC investigators are carrying out a number of enquiries including speaking with witnesses, reviewing detailed accounts from the officers involved and police body worn video footage. All police officers involved are currently being treated as witnesses.