Key Takeaways
- A man believed to be carrying a handgun was shot and killed by police after a two-vehicle collision in Thetford, Norfolk.
- The incident occurred on London Road at about 8:25pm on Sunday, and police were called to the scene after receiving reports of the collision.
- Armed response officers attended the scene, and the suspect was shot by police a short distance away.
- An investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident, which has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
- The A11 remains closed in both directions from the Thetford Ranges roundabout to the Brandon Road roundabout.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident occurred in Thetford, Norfolk, on Sunday evening, resulting in the death of a man who was believed to be carrying a handgun. The incident began with a two-vehicle collision on London Road, which prompted a call to the police at around 8:25pm. According to reports, one of the drivers involved in the collision left the scene, holding what was described as a handgun. This led to a rapid response from the police, who dispatched armed response officers to the scene.
Police Response and Incident Unfolding
The armed response officers attended the scene, and a short distance away, the suspect was shot by police. Despite the efforts of emergency services, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The police have confirmed that an investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident, which has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). This referral is a standard procedure in cases where police discharge firearms, ensuring that the incident is thoroughly investigated and that transparency is maintained.
Investigation and Aftermath
The investigation into the incident is currently ongoing, with the police cooperating fully with the IOPC. As part of this cooperation, the police will be handing over all body-worn footage and 999 calls to ensure transparency and facilitate a thorough investigation. The police have also confirmed that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, suggesting that the suspect who was shot was the sole individual involved. The A11 remains closed in both directions from the Thetford Ranges roundabout to the Brandon Road roundabout, as the investigation continues and the scene is processed.
Statement from the Police
Assistant Chief Constable David Buckley has released a statement regarding the incident, acknowledging the concern that it may cause in the community. He emphasized that incidents where police discharge firearms are rare, despite the fact that armed officers respond to hundreds of firearms-related calls each year. Buckley also reassured the public that the police are committed to transparency, highlighting their cooperation with the IOPC investigation. The statement serves as a reminder that the police are trained to handle situations like this, and their primary goal is to maintain public safety while ensuring that justice is served.
Community Impact and Conclusion
The incident in Thetford, Norfolk, is a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in their efforts to maintain public safety. While the investigation is ongoing, it is essential to recognize the professionalism and training of the armed response officers who attended the scene. The police have reassured the public that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, which should provide some comfort to the community. As the investigation continues, it is crucial to allow the IOPC to conduct a thorough and independent review of the incident, ensuring that all aspects are carefully examined and that justice is served.
