Man, 57, ‘is shot dead by armed police’ in Swindon as residents describe hearing loud bangs and screaming at 2am
- Police attended the scene after reports of two men arguing on the street at 2am
- One man, 57, was shot and died in an ambulance after unsuccessful CPR
- The incident has been referred to the office for police conduct
A 57-year-old man has been shot dead in Swindon town centre after armed police responded to reports of two men arguing in the street.
Neighbours said they heard shouting and screaming before a loud bang at around 2am on Sunday morning.
Paramedics rushed to the scene on Summers Street and gave the man CPR but he died in the ambulance at 2.56am.
Forensic experts and police scour the scene after a man, 57, was fatally shot after an argument in Swindon on Sunday night. A gun appeared to be on the ground behind the police cordon
Neighbours said they heard shouting and screaming before a loud bang at around 2am on Sunday morning
An investigation has been launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and forensic experts were scouring the area on Sunday morning.
A rifle appeared to be on the ground in the police cordon, along with an Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) – a navy blue BMW X5 which is believed to have been involved in the shooting.
Wiltshire Police said: ‘We can confirm that following an incident in Summers Street, Swindon, shortly after 2am this morning a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
‘This is regarding the death of a member of the public.
An investigation has been launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and forensic experts were scouring the area
Following the suspected shooting, there’s a major crime scene cordon in place in Summers Street, with the road closed between Rodbourne Road and Morrison Street
‘The IOPC are independently investigating this incident so it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further on it.
‘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.’
The IOPC said: ‘The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an independent investigation following an incident involving officers from Wiltshire Police in Summers Street, Swindon at just after 2am on 8 November.
‘At this early stage it is believed a 57-year-old man has been fatally shot during the police response to reports of two men arguing in the street.
Paramedics rushed to the scene on Summers Street and gave the man CPR but he died in the ambulance at 2.56am
‘He was declared dead in an ambulance at 2.56am.
‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of those affected by this terrible incident.
I’OPC investigators are at the scene, and the post incident procedures where the key police witnesses will provide their initial accounts.
‘It is mandatory for us to conduct an independent investigation when the police fatally shoot a member of the public. We have established protocols with the police to ensure our investigations do not hinder their ability to conduct enquiries as part of their related investigations.’