Latest news with #armedofficers
The Independent
09-07-2025
- The Independent
Police shot chainsaw-wielding masked man fearing he had explosive device, watchdog says
Firearms officers shot a man wielding a chainsaw because they believed he had a firearm or bomb, the police watchdog has said. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation after the man, who was also wearing a gas mask and body armour, was left with serious injuries after the incident close to the Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne, Kent on Monday evening. The man, who is in his 30s, suffered wounds to his arm and abdomen. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening but may be life-changing. The IOPC said unarmed officers from Kent Police were called to a house in Ashford Road at around 7.15pm on Monday to arrest a man on suspicion of assault. The man refused to come out of the house, so armed officers were deployed, according to the watchdog. It said bodycam footage showed a man holding a chainsaw and another object, which officers suspected to be a firearm or IED (improvised explosive device). The IOPC said in a statement: 'We have seen officers' body worn footage which shows the man, aged in his mid-30s, holding a chainsaw and another object in his hand, which, at the time, officers believed appeared to be a handmade firearm or IED (improvised explosive device). He was also wearing a gas mask and body armour. 'We can confirm a first baton round was fired by police and the man then took cover behind a hedge. 'Officers moved in and a police dog was deployed. The man ignored orders to put down the chainsaw and a second baton round was discharged and then, seconds later, he moved towards officers and was shot by an officer with a conventional firearm. 'A detailed search of the scene continued today and among the weapons found at the scene were a chainsaw and a device which was made safe by the bomb squad (EOD). IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: 'Police shootings are fortunately rare, however, given a man has been injured 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. 'Based on analysis of evidence gathered to date, no police officer is under investigation for either misconduct or criminality - they are being treated as witnesses. 'We appreciate that the community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts and piece together what occurred. 'Our thoughts are with everyone affected.' In a statement on Tuesday, Kent Police said their officers had attended the pub to conduct an arrest for an outstanding warrant at 7.15pm. The force said: 'Following initial attendance, officers were further supported by additional units including firearms patrols. 'During the incident a man in his 30s was shot by officers and was subsequently taken to hospital where he remains. 'Officers remain at the scene and have been supported by an EOD team who made the area safe.'
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Revealed: Plumber shot by armed police outside rural Kent pub is in coma after 'dropping chainsaw on his arm when officers opened fire'
A plumber who was shot and seriously injured by armed police while wielding a chainsaw outside a rural pub has been pictured for the first time as he is now understood to be in a coma. Sean O'Meara held a chainsaw and wore a gas mask as he faced off with armed officers attempting to arrest him on suspicion of assault outside his parents home in Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, Kent on Monday. Thirty-six-year-old O'Meara was initially visited by unarmed police at a property opposite the Park Inn pub at approximately 7.15pm due to an 'outstanding warrant' against him - but refused to come out. Armed officers were then deployed and reportedly found him to also be wearing body armour as well as another object police suspected was a handmade firearm or improvised explosive device (IED). Despite the presence of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, complete with a remote-controlled robot, Kent Police said the case 'was not related to any terrorism offences'. O'Meara is now thought to have suffered 'life-changing injuries' after the chainsaw dropped onto his arm after being shot by an armed officer with a conventional firearm, according to his half-brother Liam. Previously, it was reported that O'Meara ignored two warning baton rounds and refused to put down the chainsaw before being shot. He is now understood to be in an induced coma at King's College Hospital. Police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has since launched a probe into the shooting on Monday evening. O'Meara's half brother, Liam has since spoken out, saying his brother has 'mental health problems', whilst adding that he believes police used unreasonable force. The 44-year-old said officers could have instead shot his sibling in the leg or tasered him. Revealing the worst of O'Meara's injuries were caused by the chainsaw rather than the gunshot, he told The Telegraph: 'When he was shot, most of the damage was when he dropped the chainsaw and it fell on him. 'The bullet's gone straight in and out so it hasn't caused many problems.' He believes his brother now could possibly lose the ability to use his arm. Kent Police previously confirmed that officers attended a property on Ashford Road across the road from the Park Gate Inn pub. 'We have been advised by Kent police that unarmed officers attended the house at around 7.15pm to arrest a man on suspicion of assault,' the IOPC said. 'He refused to come out of the house, so the officers were instructed to withdraw and armed officers were then deployed. 'We have seen officers' body worn footage which shows the man, aged in his mid-30s, holding a chainsaw and another object in his hand, which, at the time, officers believed appeared to be a handmade firearm or IED (improvised explosive device). 'He was also wearing a gas mask and body armour. We can confirm a first baton round was fired by police and the man then took cover behind a hedge. 'Officers moved in and a police dog was deployed. The man ignored orders to put down the chainsaw and a second baton round was discharged and then, seconds later, he moved towards officers and was shot by an officer with a conventional firearm. 'A detailed search of the scene continued today and among the weapons found at the scene were a chainsaw and a device which was made safe by the bomb squad (EOD).' A 100-metre cordon was put in place around the boozer following the incident, which began shortly after 7pm on July 7, with the shooting taking place just before 9pm. Dramatic aerial footage captured armoured vehicles parked up outside the property securing the area. In a brief statement released by Kent Police yesterday afternoon said cops had been carrying out an arrest when an armed officer opened fire. Kent Police said: 'On Monday 7 July 2025, Kent Police officers attended a property in Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, near Maidstone to conduct an arrest for an outstanding warrant. 'This was not related to any terrorism offences. 'Following initial attendance, officers were further supported by additional units including firearms patrols. 'During the incident a man in his 30s was shot by officers and was subsequently taken to hospital where he remains. 'Officers remain at the scene and have been supported by an EOD team who made the area safe. 'As with all police shootings, a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and Kent Police will assist the IOPC with its independent investigation as appropriate.' The IOPC is the independent police watchdog to which regional police forces must refer the most serious incidents, including shootings, regardless of whether or not an official complaint has been filed. An IOPC spokesman said: 'The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the police shooting of a man wielding a chainsaw last night (7 July) which left him seriously injured. 'After being notified by Kent Police at around 10.30pm, we declared an independent investigation shortly afterwards.' IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: 'Police shootings are fortunately rare, however, given a man has been injured 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. 'Based on analysis of evidence gathered to date, no police officer is under investigation for either misconduct or criminality – they are being treated as witnesses. 'We appreciate that the community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts and piece together what occurred. 'Our thoughts are with everyone affected.' Trauma kits and emergency first aid bags were still open outside the pub on Tuesday having appeared to have been used, as well as a police riot shield spotted still resting on a fence. Forensic officers carrying black bags were also reportedly seen yesterday morning, as locals were urged to avoid the scene. The A20 Ashford Road was closed in both directions, with officers seen guarding the cordon.
Telegraph
08-07-2025
- Telegraph
Man shot by police near Kent village pub
A man has been shot by police near a village pub in Kent as a bomb disposal vehicle was spotted at the scene. The Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne was cordoned off after police were called to the scene at around 9pm on Monday night. A bomb disposal vehicle and officers in military fatigues were pictured at the site. The man is receiving treatment in hospital for 'life changing' injuries, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. Forensic officers were reportedly seen gathering evidence in black bags overnight, while members of the public were advised to leave the area. One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, described seeing 'armed officers shouting commands before a loud bang'. Formal investigation begins The IOPC, the police watchdog, said it had opened a formal investigation into the shooting. An IOPC spokesman said: 'We have begun an independent investigation after a man was shot and seriously injured by Kent Police, who were responding to an incident on Monday July 7. 'We were notified by the force after the incident in Hollingbourne, which occurred shortly before 9pm, and declared an independent investigation a short time later. They added: 'Our investigation is in the very early stages.' The IOPC has deployed investigators to the scene to examine evidence, interview witnesses and monitor police accounts of the incident. The A20 has been closed in both directions.
BBC News
04-07-2025
- BBC News
Man charged over brawl in Dinnington where shots were fired
A man has been charged over an incident in Rotherham during which a man was injured in a fight where gunshots were believed to have been officers were called to Swinston Hill Road in Dinnington at about 19:15 BST on Wednesday to reports of "a group of men fighting with weapons", according to South Yorkshire Groocock, 20, of Swinston Hill Road, had since been charged with possession of a shotgun with intent to endanger life and was due to appear before Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Friday, they a man, 57, who was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence was bailed pending further inquiries, police added. One of the arrested men was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, a force spokesperson a further six men who were held on suspicion of affray in connection with the incident had since been bailed. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
BBC News
04-07-2025
- BBC News
Arrest in Crewe over reports of man on street with sword
Police have made an arrest after armed officers were sent to reports of a man on a street carrying a attended Malbank Road in Crewe at about 16:00 BST on Thursday where a suspect was refusing to leave a negotiated with an individual before forcing entry to the address because of a fire, said Cheshire Police.A 37-year-old man remained in custody on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, affray and criminal damage, the force added. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
