Watchdog investigating police shooting find 'non-police issue' firearm

A police cordon was set up around the site of the shooting

A "non-police issue" firearm has been recovered from a house where a man was shot by armed officers, the independent police watchdog has said.

Officers opened fire at about 11:30GMT on Monday near Weston-super-Mare.

A 31-year-old man suffered serious chest injuries and is in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has opened an investigation into the shooting in Wick St Lawrence.

The watchdog said earlier that four officers went to the house on Wick Road at about 11:00 as part of an investigation into suspected firearms offences.

At about 11:30 two of the officers fired a number of shots inside the property, the IOPC said.

It said it had obtained initial accounts from the officers involved, adding that "what appears to be" a non-police issue weapon was found close to where the man was shot.

It said the weapon would be subject to further testing.

The IOPC said it was also analysing officers' body-worn footage and said its investigators were conducting house-to-house enquiries.

'Independent investigation'

IOPC regional director David Ford said: "Where police officers have used potentially lethal force, it is right that we carry out a thorough independent investigation into the full circumstances."

Ch Insp Adam O'Loughlin said: "The fact we have referred this incident to the IOPC is standard practice and conclusions should not be drawn about what took place.

"We are committed to being open and transparent and are fully cooperating with the IOPC, providing it with all the access and material it requires."

Mr O'Loughlin said the force was continuing to carry out its own investigation into suspected offences that sparked the initial firearms investigation.

He said no arrests had yet been made, and though officers and a cordon remained at the scene, investigators did not believe there was any risk to the public.

Mr O'Loughlin said: "In addition, we'd also like to thank the wider public for their support in relation to this incident.

"We're grateful for those who have contacted us asking us about the welfare of all those involved and I'd like to reassure them support is being provided to them."