Police found gas-powered air gun after man was shot, watchdog says

The Independent Office for Police Conduct says officers recovered a gas-powered air gun after armed officers shot a 61-year-old man on the A11 in Thetford; the IOPC is carrying out an independent investigation.

Police say armed officers shot a man on the side of the A11 in Thetford after a nearby two-vehicle collision on December 28. The man, identified as aged 61, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said a non-police weapon found at the scene was a gas-powered air gun. The IOPC has contacted the man’s family and asked for privacy as the investigation continues. Known details: - Officers were called to a collision on London Road shortly before 8.30pm and there were witness reports of a man seen with a handgun. - Armed officers approached the man on the A11 and a single shot was fired; the man later died and a non-police firearm was recovered. - The IOPC has identified the recovered weapon as a gas-powered air gun and says its independent investigation is in the early stages and that it has been in contact with the family. Summary: The IOPC is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting and has said it will meet the family to explain its role. The investigation remains at an early stage and further outcomes are undetermined at this time.