Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Police shoot man dead after responding to ‘argument’

IOPC is investigating incident 

Rory Sullivan
Sunday 08 November 2020 07:50 EST
Comments
Officers are pictured  at the scene of a police shooting in Swindon on 8 November, 2020.   
Officers are pictured  at the scene of a police shooting in Swindon on 8 November, 2020.    (Daniel Jae Webb/SWNS)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A 57-year-old man has died after being shot by police in the early hours of Sunday morning in Swindon, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed.

The police watchdog has started an investigation into the incident, which took place in Summers Street around 2am on Sunday. 

It is thought that the man died after officers were sent to the area in response to reports about two men having an argument.

The 57-year-old was declared dead in an ambulance shortly before 3am, according to the IOPC.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of those affected by this terrible incident,” the IOPC said in a statement.

The watchdog also said that investigators were at the scene and would talk to key police witnesses about the events that led to the man’s death.

"It is mandatory for us to conduct an independent investigation when the police fatally shoot a member of the public,” the statement added.

Wiltshire Police confirmed that it had referred the matter to the IOPC but declined to comment further.

The force said:  "The IOPC are independently investigating this incident, so it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further on it.

"We would, however, like to reassure the public there is no risk to the wider community and that there is likely to be an increased police presence in the area for a considerable time."

Additional reporting by PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in