South Shields shooting: Police shoot man over handgun reports

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission

(Getty)

A 24-year-old is in hospital after being shot by armed officers after they received reports that a man had been seen with a handgun, Northumbria Police said.

Police were called to Frenchmans Way, South Shields, South Tyneside, shortly after 1am where officers made contact with the man, and he was shot once.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “The 24-year-old man has been taken to hospital with a single gunshot wound and is currently receiving treatment.”

The spokesman said the matter had been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, adding: “This is a matter of course in any incident resulting in serious injury following police contact.”

The IPCC said: “Independent Police Complaints Commission investigators have been sent to South Shields to begin an investigation into a police shooting incident.

“Northumbria Police reported to the IPCC that a man had been shot during an incident in Frenchmans Way shortly after 1am this morning.

“We will issue further updates when we can.”

PA