Armed police officers shot and killed a man in Thetford, Norfolk, on Sunday evening following a serious road collision and reports the individual was in possession of a firearm.
Timeline of a Fatal Incident
Norfolk Constabulary were first called to London Road in Thetford at approximately 8.25pm on Sunday after receiving reports of a collision involving two vehicles. According to initial police statements, one man, believed to be the driver of one of the vehicles, subsequently left the scene on foot.
Critical to the escalation of the incident, the individual was reported to be holding what was described as a handgun. This prompted the immediate deployment of specially trained armed response officers to the area.
Police Response and Aftermath
The situation culminated a short distance from the original crash site, where the suspect was shot by police. Despite the efforts of emergency medical services at the scene, the man was pronounced dead.
In line with standard procedure following a police shooting, the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which will conduct a full, independent investigation. Norfolk police have stated they are cooperating fully and will hand over all relevant evidence, including body-worn video footage and recordings of 999 calls.
Assistant Chief Constable David Buckley addressed public concern, stating: “Our highly trained armed officers deploy to hundreds of firearms related calls each year, but incidents where police discharge firearms are thankfully incredibly rare.” He confirmed that police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
Ongoing Disruption and Investigation
The major road artery, the A11, was closed in both directions from the Thetford Ranges roundabout to the Brandon Road roundabout for a significant period to allow for forensic examination and investigation. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes.
The focus now shifts to the IOPC's inquiry, which will seek to establish the complete sequence of events. The watchdog's findings will be crucial in providing transparency and understanding the circumstances that led to this rare but fatal use of force.
