Walthamstow shooting: Cops storm house and shoot 'man with gun making threats to kill'

An investigation has been launched after a man was shot by police in London. The man is has suffered "life-changing" injuries, polie confirmed.

Police were called on Friday morning to a home in Walthamstow, north-east London, to reports that a man had a gun and was making threats to kill, Scotland Yard said.

Police and negotiators spent around four hours on the scene before officers entered the property "by force", which is when the man was shot.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to an incident within an address in Stow Crescent, Walthamstow at around 10:00hrs on Friday, 10 October.

"Family members called 999 reporting a man was inside the property with a gun, threatening to harm himself. It was understood he was alone at that time.

"Officers and trained negotiators were on scene for a number of hours and a cordon remained in place. As the incident developed the man threatened to seriously harm anyone coming into the address and shoot himself.

"At around 14:00hrs officers entered after hearing a bang from inside. As they entered, weapons were discharged. The circumstances of what happened prior to this and within the property will form part of the investigation.

"The man was treated at the scene by police medics and the London Ambulance Service and then taken to hospital. The man's condition has now been assessed as non-life threatening, but life-changing, he remains in hospital."

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: "Our thoughts at this time are with the injured man and his family.

"I know this news will be concerning for the community in Walthamstow and the wider public in London. However, I want to reassure you, incidents where officers discharge their firearms are incredibly rare.

"It is right that there is a full investigation into the circumstances around this incident, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct is leading this. This process must take its course and while that is ongoing it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.

"Armed officers do a difficult job for London, they respond to 4,000 calls a year, placing themselves in danger to protect others. They make split-second decisions in incredibly difficult and challenging circumstances, and I am grateful to all of them their professionalism and bravery.

"Our officers remain on scene and I would like to thank residents for their assistance and cooperation throughout the day."

An IOPC spokesperson said: "We can confirm that we have started an independent investigation into the actions of the Met Police during an incident at an address in Walthamstow, east London, where we understand a man was shot by police this afternoon and taken to hospital.

"After being notified by the Met Police we declared an independent investigation at 4.13pm this afternoon and have sent investigators to the scene and to the post-incident procedure to begin gathering evidence.
"Our investigation is in the very early stages."