Bristol man arrested after armed police shooting on Fishponds Road

A man in his 40s was shot and injured by armed officers responding to reports of a suspected firearm in Bristol. He has been arrested on suspicion of affray and possessing an imitation firearm.

Man hospitalised and arrested after police firearms discharge in Bristol

A man in his 40s is in hospital under police guard after being shot by armed officers in Bristol on Thursday, bbc.co.uk reports. He has since been arrested on suspicion of affray and of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Avon and Somerset Police were called to an address on Fishponds Road following reports of a suspected firearm at the location. Officers discharged their weapons before police negotiators had arrived at the scene, leaving the man with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

A cordon remained in place at the Fishponds Road address while forensic searches continued.

The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), a step required whenever a member of the public is injured during contact with police.

Superintendent Matt Ebbs said the incident highlighted the demands placed on firearms officers. "The role of our firearms officers is incredibly challenging, and they are rigorously trained, tested and held to the highest standards," he said. "They are deployed when a significant risk to the public or to officers' safety has been identified. This type of incident, while very rare, is distressing."

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)