Man shot by police in Surrey village after weapon report dies in hospital

A 29-year-old man who was shot by armed police in a Surrey village and taken to hospital in a critical condition has died, and the police watchdog is investigating the circumstances.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the man died on Thursday after he was shot in Knaphill, near Woking, in the early hours of Sunday.

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: “This is a tragic incident during which a man sadly lost his life. We have met with the man’s family to explain our role. Our thoughts are with them and everyone affected by this incident.

“Fatal police shootings are rare. Given a person has died it’s important that an independent investigation is carried out to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident, including police actions and decision-making, and the use of lethal force.

“Our investigation is in its early stages, and we will keep the man’s family, and the force updated as our investigation progresses.”

The IOPC said that shortly after 12.30am on Sunday, Surrey Police had received a report of an altercation in the street, with a man said to be carrying a firearm on Nursery Road in Knaphill.

The caller reported the man then went inside an address.

“Armed Surrey officers arrived shortly afterwards and approached the address, with cordons put in place. Police body-worn footage shows officers calling for the occupant of the address to come to the door with nothing in their hands. The man opened the door and appeared to point a weapon in the officers’ direction,” the IOPC said.

“One shot was fired by a firearms officer, which struck the man shortly after 1.20am. A police baton round was also discharged. Officers provided immediate first aid. An ambulance was requested and the man was taken to hospital.”

The IOPC said a non-police issue weapon was found at the scene.

It said it was notified by Surrey Police shortly after 2am and declared an independent inquiry, sending investigators to attend the scene and the post-incident procedures, where officers provided initial accounts.

The watchdog said it examined the scene on Sunday and carried out house-to-house inquiries and was reviewing police body-worn footage and police logs.

Surrey Police said: “Following the shooting of a man by police in Woking on Sunday August 11, we can confirm that he has since died in hospital. Our thoughts are with everyone affected at this difficult time.”

It said it would not comment further, but was supporting the IOPC investigation.

The force previously said the two people involved in the altercation were known to each other and there was no risk to the wider public.

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