A MAN is in hospital after being shot and injured by police officers in Eastville.
Avon & Somerset Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the incident, which happened on Fishponds Road yesterday at around 5.30pm.
The force said the armed officers were responding to a 999 call from a member of the public who believed they had seen a firearm at a house near the junction of Berkeley Street, between Muller Road and Stapleton Road.
A police spokesperson said: “Police firearms were discharged by armed police officers, and a man remains in a stable condition in hospital for treatment to injuries not currently believed to be life-threatening.
“The officers were responding to a report from a member of the public who saw what they believed to be a firearm at an address in Fishponds Road, Eastville.
“Negotiators had not yet arrived when police firearms were discharged.
“A man in his forties was immediately treated at the scene by paramedics and was conscious and breathing when taken to hospital.
“We have not yet been able to trace his next of kin.
“No officers were injured and we do not believe there is any wider risk to the public. No arrests have been made.
“Support is in place or will be offered to everyone involved.”
‘Distressing’
Police have not said whether a firearm was found at the address, and say they cannot confirm further details at this stage.
A cordon was in place around the house in Fishponds Road this afternoon while the investigation continued.
Superintendent Matt Ebbs said: “A mandatory referral to the IOPC is always made when someone is seriously injured following police contact.
“We will co-operate with the IOPC to ensure transparency over our actions and decisions.
“The role of our firearms officers is incredibly challenging, and they are rigorously trained, tested and held to the highest standards.
“They are deployed when a significant risk to the public or to officers’ safety has been identified.
“This type of incident, while very rare, is distressing.
“We’ll have an increased high-visibility police presence in the area over the coming days. I’d urge anyone with any concerns to engage with our officers on patrol.”