London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Police fatally shot a man armed with a handgun following a two-vehicle crash on London Road, Thetford, while the IOPC launched an independent investigation.
As reported by Sky News, a man reportedly carrying a handgun was shot dead by police following a car crash in Thetford, Norfolk.
How did police shoot a man after a two-vehicle collision in Norfolk?
At approximately 8:25 pm on Sunday, 28 December, police were called to London Road following a crash between two vehicles. One of the drivers reportedly left the scene while holding a handgun, according to authorities.
Officials are investigating the incident and are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed it.
Police responded to the incident, and the suspect was shot shortly after leaving the immediate area. Emergency services attempted to treat him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities confirmed an investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident. The case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Traffic on the A11 remains shut in both directions from the Thetford Ranges to Brandon Road roundabouts, BBC Norfolk’s Jack Maclean reported from the scene.
He said,
“I’m standing at the Brandon Road roundabout where traffic usually would be quite busy. There are a selection of cones and there is a police officer with their lights on sitting in their car blocking the road.”
Assistant Chief Constable David Buckley said,
“We understand this incident will cause concern in the community. Our highly trained armed officers deploy to hundreds of firearms related calls each year, but incidents where police discharge firearms are thankfully incredibly rare. A full and independent investigation is already underway.”
He stated,
“We are of course cooperating fully with the IOPC investigation and will be handing over all bodyworn footage and 999 calls to ensure transparency. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”
An IOPC spokesperson confirmed the investigation has been launched, which remains in its very early stages.
The spokesperson stated,
“We were notified by the force after the incident on the A11, at Thetford, near the exit for London Road, at 9:39pm and declared an independent investigation a short time later.”
They added,
“Despite the man receiving treatment for his injuries, he sadly died at the scene. We sent investigators to the post-incident procedure to begin our enquiries and start gathering evidence.”
How many people die on UK roads every year?
According to the latest official figures from the UK government and Northern Ireland authorities, the number of people who die on UK roads each year is around 1,800.
The final confirmed total for 2023 across Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) was 1,624 fatalities. The final total for 2024 in Great Britain is 1,602.
Data for Northern Ireland is reported separately and, when merged, brings the total for the entire UK to nearly 1,800 deaths annually in recent years.
Britain consistently ranks as one of the nations with the safest roads in the world. In international comparisons, it is often in the top five for the lowest number of road fatalities per million people.
Where to go in Thetford for New Year’s eve?
- The Bell Hotel
- The Chase (Hungry Horse)
- The Red Lion
- The Mulberry
- The Carnegie Room
- The Crown Hotel
- Kings Arms
- Nuns Bridges Community Centre