Investigation launched after man is shot by armed police in North Somerset village
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has confirmed it is "gathering evidence" into exactly what happened at the house in the small, rural village of Wick St Lawrence.
Monday 28 November 2022 21:12, UK
An investigation is under way after a man was left in a critical condition after being shot by police.
The incident happened around 11.30am on Monday, when officers went to a house on Wick Road, Wick St Lawrence, just north of Weston-super-Mare, as part of an investigation into possible firearms offences.
Avon and Somerset Police said the man, who is in his 30s, was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where he is in a critical but stable condition.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it is now looking into what happened.
A statement said: "After being informed of the incident by Avon and Somerset Police, we sent investigators to the scene and to the post-incident procedure, to begin our enquiries and start gathering evidence."
'Open and transparent'
Chief Inspector Adam O'Loughlin said the man's next of kin had been informed.
"We understand the local community will be shocked and people will want to know what happened," Chief Insp O'Loughlin said.
"We are committed to being open and transparent and will fully co-operate with the IOPC.
"Our thoughts are with the man and his family as he continues to receive treatment at hospital."
Wick St Lawrence is a small village that comes under the unitary authority of North Somerset with a population of just over 1,300.