The police watchdog’s investigation into the shooting death of a 57-year-old man in Swindon by Wiltshire Police has produced some details.
On Sunday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) declared that it has initiated an inquiry into the Summers Street incident.
According to the watchdog, Wiltshire Police officers arrived on the scene just after two in the morning on Sunday in response to complaints of two men fighting in the street.
The watchdog released additional information on Monday based on its probe, stating that two other officers in a marked police car arrived at the site shortly after the firearms officer, who arrived first in an unmarked car.
The firearms officer then shot the 57-year-old male in the chest. At 2:56 a.m., he was pronounced dead in an ambulance.
The IOPC stated that initial statements from the three officers and other pertinent police officers have been acquired and are being examined in conjunction with body camera material.
It claimed to have confirmed that the officer had fired one shot from a Block pistol.
A firearm that is not police property was found at the scene and will be subjected to forensic analysis.
Derrick Campbell, regional director of IOPC, stated, “We have had initial contact with the man’s family to explain our role and I send them my condolences for their loss and my thoughts are with everyone affected.”
“As part of our preliminary inquiry, we will be looking over body-worn video evidence that the participating police have provided.
“It is appropriate that we conduct an independent investigation to thoroughly review the circumstances and police actions in cases where lethal force has been used.”
There have been no takedowns.
A public member’s death was the subject of a referral to the IOPC, Wiltshire Police announced in a statement on Sunday.
“The IOPC are independently investigating this incident, so it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further on it,” the force said in its statement.
“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.”
Wiltshire Police are still supporting the IOPC’s inquiry, according to Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith.
She continued, saying, “We appreciate the patience of the people living on Summers Street and the larger community while we respond to the ongoing inquiries in the area.
“We understand that a lot of people were probably concerned and disturbed by this.
“However, this work is crucial as the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) continue to undertake its inquiries to establish the full facts of what happened this morning.”
The head of the Wiltshire Police Federation demanded that the watchdog launch an investigation right away.
Mark Andrews stated: “Highly trained and among our best colleagues are our volunteer officers who are authorized to carry firearms on behalf of society and bravely defend the public.”
“We are sending our best wishes to our colleagues during this difficult time as they navigate the aftermath of the Swindon incident, and our thoughts are with everyone involved in this incident.”
“For the benefit of everyone involved, we urge the Independent Office for Police Conduct to expeditiously conclude its investigation.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time due to the ongoing investigation.”
