Kent Police confirmed the completion of searches at the scene, where the road had been intermittently closed. Ongoing searches led to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team dealing with nine suspicious devices. The incident began when Sean O'Meara, armed with a chainsaw and wearing a gas mask and body armor, was shot by police. The man was believed to have an improvised firearm or explosive. He sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized, with police stating the incident is not terror-related.
Kent Police confirmed that searches at the scene are now complete, and the road which had been intermittently closed since Monday has been made safe. As part of ongoing searches in the area throughout the week, at least nine suspicious devices were dealt with by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
Sean O'Meara, a 36-year-old plumber, was wearing a gas mask and body armour when officers attempted to arrest him on suspicion of assault. Police believed at the time he may have been in possession of an improvised firearm or explosive device.
The IOPC said: We have seen officers' body worn footage which shows the man, aged in his mid-30s, holding a chainsaw and another object in his hand, which, at the time, officers believed appeared to be a handmade firearm or IED.
Mr O'Meara was taken to hospital with injuries to his arm and abdomen. Police say he remains in hospital with injuries described as life-changing. Kent Police said the incident is not terror-related.
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