Met used necessary force to shoot armed man - IOPC

Bryce Hodgson was shot by firearms officers in the neck and chest

Metropolitan Police firearms officers who fatally shot an armed man in south London used necessary force, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said.

Bryce Hodgson, 30, from Sheffield, broke into a home in Bywater Place, Southwark, armed with weapons, including a crossbow on 30 January.

He threatened officers with a sword and loaded crossbow and told them he was intent on killing someone who may be in the property, the IOPC said.

It said on Tuesday that the Met's actions and decision to use of lethal force were "justified, proportionate and necessary".

Hodgson was a convicted stalker who was banned from entering the road where he was shot.

He given a suspended jail term and a restraining order in July 2023 after admitting entering a woman's bedroom without consent.

Barricade

The IOPC said local Met Police response units arrived at the property on 30 January at 05:07 GMT following a report that an armed man was trying to get into a bedroom where residents had barricaded themselves.

Two police constables saw blood, broken glass and arrows near the front door and had heard banging from inside the home and forced entry via the front door.

They drew their Tasers and announced themselves and delivered clear and appropriate instructions to Hodgson, the IOPC said.

Hodgson swung a sword in the officers’ direction several times, and when he failed to comply, the officers withdrew and requested assistance, the IOPC said.

The Met said that weapons recovered from the scene included crossbows, a knife, a sword and a hatchet

Firearms officers arrived at around 05:15 and also tried to negotiate with Hodgson.

Body worn video showed Hodgson telling officers he was intent on killing someone who may be in the property, the IOPC said.

He pointed his loaded crossbow at the officers, and an officer shot him twice, striking him in the neck and chest.

Officers gave emergency first aid but Hodgson died at the scene.

'Bravery'

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: "This was a tragic incident where a man lost his life, and our sympathies are with Mr Hodgson’s family and everyone affected.

"However, the actions of all officers involved in this incident, and the decision to use of lethal force, were in our opinion, justified, proportionate and necessary."

She said all of the officers demonstrated "bravery" and "maintained their professionalism" during the response.

The IOPC said there was no indication that any police officer had committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings.

Commander Charmain Brenyah, responsible for firearms policing in the Met, said she was pleased with the IOPC findings.

“As well as acknowledging their professionalism, I too must also commend the officers for their bravery during this incident," she added.

“They truly embody our key values of integrity and courage."

She said that weapons recovered from the scene included crossbows, a knife, a sword and a hatchet.

An inquest into Hodgson's death is due to be held at a later date.