Police shoot man dead after responding to ‘argument’

IOPC is investigating incident

Officers are pictured  at the scene of a police shooting in Swindon on 8 November, 2020.    (Daniel Jae Webb/SWNS)

A 57-year-old man has died after being shot by police in the early hours of Sunday morning in Swindon, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed.

The police watchdog has started an investigation into the incident, which took place in Summers Street around 2am on Sunday. 

It is thought that the man died after officers were sent to the area in response to reports about two men having an argument.

The 57-year-old was declared dead in an ambulance shortly before 3am, according to the IOPC.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of those affected by this terrible incident,” the IOPC said in a statement.

The watchdog also said that investigators were at the scene and would talk to key police witnesses about the events that led to the man’s death.

"It is mandatory for us to conduct an independent investigation when the police fatally shoot a member of the public,” the statement added.

Wiltshire Police confirmed that it had referred the matter to the IOPC but declined to comment further.

The force said:  "The IOPC are independently investigating this incident, so it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further on it.

"We would, however, like to reassure the public there is no risk to the wider community and that there is likely to be an increased police presence in the area for a considerable time."

Additional reporting by PA