Man in critical condition after being shot by police in Wick St Lawrence

A man inside a house in the Somerset village was shot after officers attended the house looking into firearms offences

A cordon's in place
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 28th Nov 2022
Last updated 29th Nov 2022

A man has been shot by a police officer.

Today, Avon and Somerset Police said the man - aged 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 now in Southmead Hospital in a critical but stable condition - and his next of kin have been informed and continue to be 'fully updated' by the force.

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.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.