A man is dead after being shot by police on London Road in Thetford, a quiet stretch of the A11 now the focus of a major investigation. The incident unfolded late last night, casting a somber shadow over the usually peaceful area.
Reports indicate the man was walking against the flow of traffic on the southbound carriageway, near the Brandon Road roundabout, when armed police were called to the scene. Officers approached him, and moments later, shots rang out.
Investigators have confirmed two shots were fired by police shortly before 9 pm. A weapon, not believed to belong to law enforcement, was recovered nearby, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.
Despite immediate first aid administered by officers at the scene, the man was pronounced dead just before 10:15 pm. Authorities believe he was in his sixties, but formal identification is still pending, leaving a family unaware and a community in shock.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a full investigation, a standard procedure in any police-involved fatality. Investigators are meticulously gathering evidence to determine the precise sequence of events.
Norfolk Police are fully cooperating with the IOPC, handing over crucial evidence including body-worn video footage, emergency 999 calls, and drone footage. This commitment to transparency aims to ensure a thorough and impartial review of the incident.
Police officials acknowledge the concern this incident will understandably cause within the community. While armed officers respond to numerous firearms-related calls annually, discharges of weapons remain thankfully rare, making each case particularly sensitive.
The IOPC emphasized the rarity of fatal police shootings and the critical need for an independent investigation into the officers’ actions and decision-making. Their initial focus is on piecing together the events leading up to the tragic outcome.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe expressed condolences to the man’s family and assured them they will be contacted to explain the investigation’s progress. The priority now is to understand the circumstances and provide answers to those affected.
The A11 remains closed in one direction, from the Thetford Ranges roundabout to the Brandon Road roundabout, as investigators continue their work. The road closure serves as a stark reminder of the night’s events and the ongoing inquiry.
