Crossbows, a knife, a sword and a hatchet were found in a house where a man was shot by armed police after he tried to enter a home.
Armed officers were called to Surrey Quays, south London after receiving reports a man armed with a crossbow was trying to get inside a property and threatening people who lived there, the Metropolitan Police said.
Unarmed officers tried to speak to the man, who was wearing body armour, but they were threatened.
They called police marksmen for backup and by the time they arrived he had got into the building, and he was later shot by them.
He was given first aid but died at the scene, and police are trying to contact his family.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct IOPC said the weapons were among those found at the scene.
Local police officers unsuccessfully attempted to speak to the man who had gained entry to the property, but then called for assistance from armed officers after being threatened.
It also said it believes the man was known to at least one occupant in the property.
The IOPC said in a statement: “After arriving at the scene, the armed officers then entered the house where the man was shot.
“We can confirm two shots were fired from a police issue firearm, which will be subject to further analysis.”
The IOPC has launched an investigation after the man’s death, a standard process after officers kill a person.
A broken window near the scene in Bywater Place in Surrey Quays, south east London (Photo: PA)
Regional director Mel Palmer said: “Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragic incident. The man’s next of kin have been informed and, in due course, we will be contacting them to explain our role. We will keep them regularly updated throughout our investigation.
“Given a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police.
“We appreciate that the community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts and piece together what occurred.”
HM Coroner has been informed and a post-mortem examination will take place.
Two of the occupants of the property are understood to have received minor injuries.
People who live nearby said they have been left stunned by today’ dramatic events.
Michael Leng said: “It’s fairly peaceful in this area. Nothing like this happens. It’s shocking to see this sort of thing.”
Neighbours said they were woken up by a burst of screaming and shouting.
Restaurant owner Akber Baloch, 52, said: “I was sleeping and I heard some shouting. It was also like someone was banging a door. There was banging and shouting. It sounded like a man and a woman.”
He added: “I was afraid about what was happening.
A police cordon has sealed off the street from the main road.
Det Ch Supt Seb Adjei-Addoh of the Met Police 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.”
An IOPC spokesman said investigators have been at the scene to gather evidence.
Fatal police shootings are relatively rare in the UK – there were only three in the year to March 31 2023.
The most recent Met fatality was the death of Giedrius Vasiljevas, 40, who was shot at his home in Dagenham, east London, in November after calling 999 to say he had loaded guns and wanted to take his own life.
Additional reporting by Press Association.
https://inews.co.uk/news/crossbows-knife-sword-and-hatchet-found-at-home-where-man-was-shot-by-police-2881491
