An investigation into the shooting of a 53 year old man by armed West Mercia Police officers in Lickey End yesterday is underway.
The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC – formerly IPCC) routinely investigates incidents where police officers have used potentially lethal force. The wounded man remains in hospital and his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
On Saturday (3rd November), West Mercia Police had received separate calls from members of the public, reporting seeing a man with a handgun at different locations in Bromsgrove.
At 1.44am on Sunday (4th November) morning, a police patrol spotted a man in bushes acting suspiciously.
Firearms officers were dispatched and cam across the man in The Tryst, a residential culture-de-sac just off the A38 in Lickey End.
Shortly afterwards, in Birmingham Road, shots were fired by two armed police officers. The injured man was take to hospital.
As with all such incidents, West Mercia Police notified the IOPC and their investigators were sent to the scene of the shooting. Police body worn video which will be reviewed, and officer have given witness accounts. IOPC investigators have also overseen police forensic examinations, including recovery of a non-police issue weapon from the scene.
Birmingham Road remained closed until late on Sunday afternoon to allow investigators to examine the scene.
Derrick Campbell, IOPC regional director for the Midlands, said: “Fortunately police shootings are rare occurrences, but where potentially lethal force is used by officers it is appropriate that we carry out a thorough, independent investigation.”
cover image snappersk