Man seriously injured in police shooting at Bristol property

A man has been rushed to hospital after police firearms were discharged at an incident in Bristol.

Avon and Somerset Police said they had made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the incident.

The man, in his 40s, is in a stable condition in hospital for treatment to injuries which are not currently believed to be life-threatening.

Avon and Somerset Police said 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.

The 999 call came in just before 5.30pm on 22 October and armed officers responded.

Negotiators had not yet arrived when police firearms were discharged.

In a statement, the police said: “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, they added. A cordon remains at the address in Fishponds Road while enquiries continue.

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.”