Gun found at scene of stand-off in Leeds - police watchdog

A man died after he was found "critically injured" at a home in Stanningley on Sunday night (June 09)

Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 11th Jun 2024

A watchdog has confirmed a firearm was found at the scene of a 10-hour stand-off between police and a man in Leeds.

Officers were called to reports of a "domestic-incident" at a house in Stanningley on Sunday afternoon (June 09)

However, they withdrew and armed police were called, following reports of a man with a "handgun" inside.

Police negotiators were on the scene for around 10 hours, before officers broke into the house, where a man was found critically injured.

He died in hospital on Monday (June 10).

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has begun an investigation into West Yorkshire Police's handling of the incident, after the force made a mandatory referral.

They say a non-police firearm was found at the address, and early investigations suggest it had been fired.

The IOPC also confirmed police used CS gas and a distraction device, which set off a series of loud bangs.

IOPC Regional Director Emily Barry said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends and all those affected by the tragic incident on Sunday.

“Given a man has died after coming into contact with police then it’s our role is to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police.

“We appreciate that the community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts and piece together the sequence of events on the night.”

A coroner has been informed and will carry out a post-mortem following the unnamed man's death.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.