Man arrested after being shot in hand in Portishead
Avon & Somerset Police confirm two police firearms were discharged
Last updated 1st May 2025
It's emerged two police firearms were discharged during a stand off in Portishead yesterday, that saw a man shot in the hand.
Officers were called to a 'concern for welfare' in Merlin Park at around 3.45pm.
Armed officers were deployed after a firearm was mentioned to call handlers and negotiators were dispatched to attempt to engage with a man inside a property.
Avon & Somerset Police say they arrested a 48 year old man on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and he remains in hospital in police custody.
The man's injuries aren't thought to be life-threatening.
The force has also made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as a result of the man being injured following police contact.
No officers were injured in the incident.
Head of Operations, whose portfolio includes the Firearms Unit, Supt Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “We understand an incident of this nature may be alarming to the local community, but I must stress that matters of this nature are incredibly rare and we do not believe there is any wider risk to the public.
“Our firearms officers receive extensive training and are held to the highest standards through regularly retesting and mandated refresher training. The discharge of a police firearm is considered a last resort and is only actioned in cases where there is a significant threat to officers, themselves or members of the public.
“They do an incredibly difficult job, which not many can do, and I commend those who take on this responsibility voluntarily and have to make these challenging decisions in high-pressure situations in a matter of moments.
“They immediately entered the property, alongside paramedics, and administered first aid to the injured man before he was taken to hospital.”
Officers remain in Merlin Park today (Thursday 1 May) conducting further searches and to provide reassurance.
Supt Hayward-Melen added: “Specialist search teams conducted a search of the property and found additional suspected firearms.
“We would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while these enquiries continue. Local residents can expect to see an increased high-visibility police presence over the coming days and we urge anyone with any concerns to engage with our officers on patrol.
“As with all cases of this nature, we have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as a result of the man being injured following police contact.”