A man is in a life-threatening condition after being shot by Metropolitan Police officers during a tense armed standoff in north-east London on Friday.
According to the Met, officers were called to an address on Stow Crescent, Walthamstow, at around 10:00 BST following reports that a man with a firearm was making threats to kill.
Specially trained negotiators were deployed to the scene, attempting for several hours to communicate with the man inside the property. However, at approximately 14:00, police forced entry into the residence, during which firearms officers discharged their weapons.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that what was believed to be a gun was later recovered from inside the property. The man was given emergency medical treatment at the scene by both police medics and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service before being taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
In line with police procedure following any shooting incident, the force has referred the case to the Department of Professional Standards, which in turn has referred it to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
A spokesperson for the IOPC confirmed that an independent investigation had been launched. “We can confirm that we have started an independent investigation into the actions of the Met Police during an incident at an address in Walthamstow, east London, where we understand a man was shot by police this afternoon and taken to hospital,” the spokesperson said.
IOPC investigators were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident to begin collecting evidence and initiating post-incident procedures. These steps include obtaining body-worn camera footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements to establish a clear timeline of events.
A large police presence remains in the area, with cordons in place around Stow Crescent. Officers have asked residents and members of the public to avoid the vicinity while investigations continue.
Local residents described hearing loud bangs in the early afternoon, followed by a heavy police response. One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “We saw armed officers everywhere, shouting commands. It was really frightening; it’s not something you expect to happen on your street.”
The Metropolitan Police said further details would be released once the IOPC investigation was underway. No officers were reported injured in the operation.
The IOPC’s inquiry will determine whether police followed proper protocol during the incident, including the justification for the use of lethal force.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the injured man. The police cordon is expected to remain in place overnight as forensic teams continue to examine the scene.
