UK
Man shot dead by police was carrying crossbows, knife, sword and hatchet
A man who was shot dead by officers in southeast London was carrying crossbows, a knife, a sword and a hatchet, it has emerged.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) says two shots were fired from a police firearm after officers unsuccessfully tried to speak to the suspect.
The watchdog launched an investigation into the incident, as is standard when there is a fatal police shooting.
The man, believed to be in his 30s and found to be wearing body armour, was threatening to harm residents inside an address in Southwark in London, according to the IOPC.
A knife at the scene. Pic: PA
It said the man was known to at least one of the people at the address.
The force said: “Local officers attended and attempted to speak to the man but, after being threatened, armed officers were called and quickly attended the scene.
“The man had got inside the property, and a police firearm was discharged.
“Officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service immediately provided first aid but sadly the man died at the scene.”
Pic: PA
Two people in the house in Bywater Place suffered minor injuries, police said.
Read more from Sky News:
Baby who died after parents went on the run seen on CCTV
Man accused of falsely claiming to be a doctor for months
Mel Palmer, the IOPC’s regional director, said: “Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragic incident. The man’s next of kin have been informed and, in due course, we will be contacting them to explain our role. We will keep them regularly updated throughout our investigation.
“Given a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all of 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 what occurred.”
A detailed search of the scene continues, the IOPC said.
A coroner has been informed and a post-mortem examination will take place.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.