On July 7, police shot a man on Ashford Road after he reportedly threatened them with a chainsaw and other items that appeared to be a firearm or explosive device. Officers responded to a call regarding an assault and attempted to arrest the suspect, who refused to cooperate. Despite warnings, he advanced towards officers with the chainsaw, leading to his shooting. The man suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized. The incident is under investigation by the IOPC, clarifying it was not related to terrorism and noting no officer faces misconduct investigations.
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 (improvised explosive device). He was also wearing a gas mask and body armour.
Police shootings are fortunately rare, however, given a man has been injured after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police.
Based on analysis of evidence gathered to date, no police officer is under investigation for either misconduct or criminality; they are being treated as witnesses.
Kent Police said that the incident was not terror-related. The man had wounds to his arm and abdomen and remains in hospital having suffered what are thought to be life-changing injuries.
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