Investigation underway into non-fatal shooting of 31-year-old in Wick St Lawrence by police officer
The IOPC are looking into the incident after Avon and Somerset Police referred themselves to the independent watchdog
Last updated 29th Nov 2022
No arrests have yet been made after a man was yesterday shot by a police officer.
Today, the Independent Office for Police Conduct continue to carry out enquiries at a property in Wick St Lawrence following the incident, which happened during a visit by police as part of an inquiry into possible firearm offences.
During their visit, a 31-year-old man was shot.
Chief Inspector Adam O’Loughlin said: “The fact we have referred this incident to the IOPC is standard practice and conclusions should not be drawn about what took place.
“We are committed to being open and transparent and are fully cooperating with the IOPC, providing it with all the access and material it requires.
“In the meantime, we continue to carry out our own investigation into offences which we suspect have been committed.
“No arrests have yet been made and enquiries are continuing.”
He added: “While a cordon remains in place on the street, we’d like to reassure local residents we do not believe there is any risk to them. We’d also like to thank them for their patience and understanding while we remain at the scene.
“In addition, we’d also like to thank the wider public for their support in relation to this incident.
“We’re grateful for those who have contacted us asking us about the welfare of all those involved and I’d like to reassure them support is being provided to them.”
What happened yesterday?
Yesterday, Avon and Somerset Police said the man in his 30s was shot in a house in Wick St Lawrence as part of an investigation into possible firearms offences.
He was then given first aid by officers before being taken to hospital.
He's still in Southmead Hospital in a critical but stable condition.
Following the incident, Chief Inspector Adam O’Loughlin said: “We understand the local community will be shocked and people will want to know what happened.
“As someone has been injured, we have referred this to the Independent Office for Police Conduct which has confirmed it will carry out an independent investigation.
“We are committed to being open and transparent and will fully cooperate with the IOPC.
“Our thoughts are with the man and his family as he continues to receive treatment at hospital.
“Anyone with concerns about this incident is encouraged to speak to officers at the scene or contact their local neighbourhood team.”
The incident has now been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who will carry out an investigation.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “We can confirm we have opened an independent investigation following an incident at around 11.30 am at an address in Wick Road, Wick St Lawrence today (28 November) where a man was shot by an armed police officer.
“We understand the man, in his early 30s, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he remains.
“After being informed of the incident by Avon & Somerset Police, we sent investigators to the scene and to the post-incident procedure, to begin our enquiries and start gathering evidence.
“Our investigation is in its very early stages.”
The incident happened after officers attended the scene at approximately 11.30am.