THE Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an investigation after a man was shot by armed police in Bromsgrove on Sunday morning (November 4).

On Saturday evening, West Mercia Police received separate reports from members of the public that a man had been seen in possession of a handgun at different locations in Bromsgrove.

At 1.44 am on Sunday, a local police patrol identified a man in bushes acting suspiciously.

As a result of these concerns, firearms officers were sent to the incident and encountered him in The Tryst, a residential street north of the town close to the A38.

Moments later shots were fired by two armed officers, and the injured 53-year-old man was then taken to hospital by land ambulance.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

After West Mercia Police notified the IOPC of the shooting, investigators were sent to the scene.

Investigators gathered police body-worn video which will be reviewed, and witness accounts have been provided by the officers involved.

Investigators have also overseen police forensic examinations which have included recovery of a non-police issue weapon from the scene.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “Fortunately police shootings are rare occurrences, but where potentially lethal force is used by officers it is appropriate that we carry out a thorough, independent investigation.”

Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans said: "The carrying of a police firearm is only allowed after officers have completed a rigorous assessment and ongoing, regular training.

"We rely on our firearms officers' judgement and decision making skills in response to dynamic situations, in what are always difficult circumstances.

"As is standard procedure in these incidents, the matter has been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) who will carry out an independent investigation.

"It is important we let the IOPC carry out their investigation without prejudice or speculation and we will cooperate fully with them throughout."

He said officers at the scene immediately gave the man emergency first aid for gunshot wounds and that no one else was hurt during the incident.