Rotherhithe: 'Crossbows, knife, sword and hatchet' found at scene of fatal police shooting near Surrey Quays
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A man has died after being shot by police officers responding to reports of a person armed with a crossbow forcing entry into a home.
At about 4.55am on Tuesday (January 30) police were called to a property in Bywater Place, Rotherhithe.
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Hide AdPolice say it was reported that the man, believed aged in his 30s, was armed with weapons including a crossbow and was threatening to harm residents inside the address. Police later confirmed that crossbows, a knife, a sword and a hatchet were found at the scene.
The Met said local officers attempted to speak to the man but, after being threatened, armed officers were called.
The force said the man had got inside the property, and a police firearm was fired. Officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service provided first aid but the man died at the scene.
Police say two occupants of the building received minor injuries during the incident. Inquiries are ongoing to inform the man's next of kin.
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Hide AdThe Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an independent investigation.
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."
Met Police fatal shooting
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist
On Tuesday evening, Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “The first unarmed officers knew they were arriving on scene to reports of man armed with weapons and threatening to harm people inside an address. The officers knew there were people inside and had genuine fears for their safety.
“Armed officers were called and attempted to get the man to surrender. They entered the property and shots were fired.
“The officers, assisted by paramedics, provided emergency first aid to the man, who was wearing body armour, but he sadly died.
“Weapons recovered from the scene include crossbows, a knife, a sword and a hatchet. This is an extremely difficult day for everyone involved.
“I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of all our officers who responded and thank all the emergency service staff involved.
“I firmly believe their actions prevented further loss of life.”
Southwarck shooting: Recap
A crime scene remains in operation at a home in Bywater Place, Rotherhithe, where a man died after being shot by police.
The Met had received a report of an intruder with a crossbow - and two other people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the shooting.
London Ambulance Service
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called today (30 January) at 5.03am to reports of an incident on Bywater Place, Surrey Quays.
“We sent some resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew and an incident response officer. We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance, which consisted of a trauma team by car.
“We treated three people at the scene, two of whom had minor injuries. The third patient was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Scene at Bywater Place
Bywater Place in Rotherhithe is a quiet residential neighbourhood. Lavender Pond Nature Reserve is nearby and a children’s nursery recently opened in the area.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a man was shot by police officers responding to reports of a person armed with a crossbow forcing entry into a home.
The man broke into a property, and two people inside were minorly injured during the incident
Locals have described their shock to the incident with some describing this as “exceptional circumstances.”
The incident has shaken the community, which usually enjoys peace and safety in the area.
'Screaming and shouting'
Local resident George said his neighbour reported hearing "screaming and shouting" in the early hours this morning.
"This is a very quiet residential area," he said.
"The news has shocked the community."
"Really shocking"
Michele, a 49-year-old local resident, said he was shocked to hear the news.
"Normally it's a very quiet, friendly area so I'm very shocked by this news," he told LondonWorld.
"I've never heard of anything like this happening in the area before."
'Exceptional situation'
A dog walker who lives in the estate nearby said its an "exceptional situation".
"This is a very safe area to live in," she told LondonWorld.
"I’d walk my dog here during the day, in the evening when it's dark.
"I would have no worries walking around here on my own.
"I’ve never encountered anything like this and we’ve lived here for eight or nine years. Its very sad what’s happened."