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
Crime scene
A crime scene is in place in Southwark, with forensic investigators at work.
'Rarely'
The Met Police has made a statement about shootings byu officers: "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."
Sadiq Khan
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said on X: "My thoughts are with everyone impacted by this incident. It’s right that the independent IOPC will now investigate the full circumstances.
"I urge anyone with information to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
IOPC investigation
An IOPC spokesperson 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, south London.
“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.”