WIREDGOV

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation after a man was shot by police in London.

The 29-year-old man is currently being treated in hospital.

We have established that six borough police officers responded to a call at 9.45pm on Tuesday 19 March to an address in Knights Close, Hackney, to telephone reports of a disturbance involving a man armed with knives. Initial indications are that the caller was concerned that a family member had knives and may need sectioning under the Mental Health Act.

While inside the residence one police officer was stabbed. The officer received first aid but fortunately did not require hospital treatment.

Armed response officers were then called to the scene and a man was shot a single time.

We attended the scene to oversee forensic enquiries and the post incident procedure where the officers involved provided their initial accounts.

IOPC Deputy Director General, Jonathan Green, said: “A Metropolitan Police officer was stabbed during this incident but thankfully this injury was not serious. I wish him a speedy recovery. The man who was shot remains in hospital and my thoughts are with him and everyone affected.

“We have seen body worn video from officers who first attended the incident and we know that they were confronted by the man carrying two knives. Taser was used a number of times with no apparent effect and those officers left the premises.

“We have also seen the body worn video of the officer who shot the man. They were confronted by a similar scene and one shot was fired. Accounts from all of the officers involved have also been collected.

“Although we are in the early stages of our investigation we have already gathered a great deal of relevant evidence. We have also spoken with the man’s family to explain our role and will provide them with regular updates as our investigation progresses.”