Horrified Southwark residents recall screams in early hours before crossbow intruder shot by police - latest
Man shot after forcing his way into building and threatening to hurt occupants
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
A man armed with a crossbow has been shot dead by armed police after trying to force his way into a building in south-east London, police have said.
Neighbours heard “bangs and screaming” as police descended on the quiet estate during the early hours of the morning, with one young girl telling her father: “Papa, I heard someone get shot.”
The Metropolitan Police said the man, who was in his 30s, was attempting to gain access to a building in Bywater Place, Surrey Quays, shortly before 5am on Tuesday and was threatening to hurt the people inside.
Unarmed officers tried to speak to him but were threatened, and when police marksmen arrived he had got into the building and was shot.
He was given first aid but died at the scene, while two occupants in the building received minor injuries.
Police are currently trying to contact his family and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation.
We are now pausing updates on this blog. Thank you for tuning in today.
Knife pictured at scene in Surrey Quays
A knife at the scene near Bywater Place in Surrey Quays, south east London, where a man has died after being shot by armed police responding to calls for help in the early hours of this morning.
Full IOPC statement
An IOPC spokesman said: “We have begun an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a man by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) earlier this morning in Southwark.
“We were notified by the MPS after the incident, which occurred shortly before 5am, and declared an independent investigation at around 6.40am.
“We have sent investigators to the scene and the police post-incident procedure to begin gathering evidence.
“Our investigation is in its very early stages.”
Local resident heard screaming and ‘fighting’
IT consultant Valeria Bocanegra, 37, said: “I could hear shouting but could not hear what was being said. I could hear someone screaming and then everything became quiet.
“I think it was a man and a woman fighting.
“It is quite a shock (to hear that someone has been shot). There is a family behind this situation. A man has died and it is a horrible situation.”
Neighbours in disbelief after being awoken to shouts and dogs barking
Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the noises made her dog bark and woke her up.
She said: “It sounded to me like someone was trying to get in or maybe banging furniture.
The woman said: “The dog was barking. There was a lot of shouting. There were lots of voices.
“You can see this sort of stuff on TV but when you see it is real and it is real people’s lives – it is just really sad.
“It is going to be really traumatic for the people who were inside.”
Restaurant owner left feeling insecure after Southwark shooting
Restaurant owner Akber Baloch, 52, said: “I was sleeping and I heard some shouting. It was also like someone was banging a door. There was banging and shouting. It sounded like a man and a woman.”
He added: “I was afraid about what was happening.
“I am really worried and it makes you feel insecure. I do not know who is wrong or right in this situation but it makes you feel insecure.”
Latest pictures from the scene
Kevlar vest, pink crossbow bolts and gas mask, among items found at the scene
The Independent’s Barney Davis reports that strewn at the scene at Bywater Place, Surrey Quays, is a kevlar vest, a knife holster, several bright pink crossbow bolts and a gas mask.
A police cordon remains in place as forensic scientists continue their investigations.
Where did the shooting take place?
The incident occurred during the early hours of this morning at an address in Bywater Place in Surrey Quays.
Statement from lead detective in Southwark
Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, responsible for policing Southwark, said: “My thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.
“I understand the local community will be concerned at the events that have taken place this morning. We will fully support the IOPC investigation into the full circumstances of what happened.” The force added: “Armed officers are highly trained and patrol the streets of London on a daily basis, dealing with challenging, fast moving and often dangerous situations to try and protect the public and their unarmed colleagues. They discharge their weapons very rarely and all officers understand and expect that when they do, their actions will be closely scrutinised.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.