Major update after man shot dead by police during armed stand-off in Bedford | UK | News

Following the incident, an investigation was launched under police supervision. One person was shot and killed by police during a gunfight In Bedford. Immediately following the shooting on Tuesday, investigators from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) were dispatched to the scene and officially launched an investigation into the incident.

Bedfordshire Police said officers were called to reports of vehicle damage on Aylesbury Road shortly after 10.40pm on Monday. A 41-year-old man was found “barricaded” and “making threats” inside a property. Police said specialist armed officers and police negotiators tried to contact the man for “several hours”. Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, police began evacuating neighbors after the man was seen pouring gasoline through the window and smelled the gas.

The police observer said that during the incident, the man was seen displaying a firearm from the window of the property, whereupon firearms officers returned to the scene.

The IOPC said shortly after 9.30am the man was shot inside the property by armed officers who were outside the address.

The watchman said the man was pronounced dead shortly before 10.30am and a firearm that did not belong to police was found on the property.

IOPC director Emily Barry said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the man’s family and friends and everyone affected by this incident, including the local Bedford community.

“We have met with the man’s family to explain our mission and they will be kept informed as our investigation progresses.

“Fatal police assaults are unfortunately rare, but when they do occur it is crucial for public confidence that an independent investigation is carried out to establish the full circumstances.

“Our investigation is still in its early stages, but we are working quickly to collect and review evidence as we investigate the actions and decision-making of the officers involved.”

The IOPC said a shot was fired from a police rifle and two baton shots were fired, one of which was discharged before the incident.

As part of the investigations, investigators obtain and review police footage, including body-worn video, drone footage and vehicle footage.

The 41-year-old’s identity has not yet been officially confirmed.