IOPC investigating shooting of man by armed Met police officers in Dagenham
A police watchdog is investigating the shooting of a man by armed police in Dagenham.
According to the Metropolitan Police officers were called to an address in Weston Green shortly before 8pm on Thursday by a man who said he planned to take his own life.
It said the man, who has not been identified but believed to be aged 40, also told officers he had loaded firearms.
According to the force, shortly before 9pm shots were fired by an officer and despite the efforts of police and paramedics, the man was pronounced dead at 9.30pm.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said after they attempted to engage with him, two shots were fired by an officer.
The IOPC said that a firearm was located near the man and another was recovered from inside the property.
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and all of those affected by this tragic incident.
“We have spoken with his family to offer our sympathies and explain our role.
“Given a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police.
“We know there will be questions about what happened but it’s important that we establish the facts about this incident before we comment further.”
The Met’s assistant commissioner Matt Twist said: “Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the man who has died, with the local community in Dagenham and the officers involved in this incident.
“The IOPC is independently investigating this matter. It is right that officers are held to account when shots are fired, and we will work with the IOPC to provide all the information they need to carry out their inquiries.
“Our armed officers are highly trained and work around the clock to keep people safe in London.
“We ask them to do an incredibly difficult job every day and make split second decisions under huge pressure.
“A fatal police shooting is rare. The officers involved in this matter are being supported as they assist the IOPC investigation.”
The Met said a search of the address suggested nobody else was present at the time of the shooting.
Commander Kyle Gordon, the Met’s frontline policing commander for North and East London, said: “My thoughts are with the loved ones of the man who has died, with the local community in Dagenham and the officers involved in this incident.”
Additional reporting by Press Association.
