Driver shot dead by police after ‘fleeing two-car crash brandishing handgun’
A man has been shot dead by police officers who had been called out to a two-car crash in Norfolk.
Norfolk Constabulary said it had been called to a stretch of London Road in Thetford on Sunday night to reports of the collision.
A man whom police believe to be the driver of one of the two cars then “left the scene holding what was described as a handgun”, a force statement said.
Armed police then attended and shot the suspect “a short distance away”.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, police added.
The A11 remains closed in both directions from the Thetford Ranges roundabout – near a rifle range – to the Brandon Road roundabout.
The Norfolk force also confirmed it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is standard procedure if a British police officer shoots and kills somebody.
Assistant Chief Constable David Buckley said: “We understand this incident will cause concern in the community.
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A stretch of the A11 has been shut off following the crash and shooting
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“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.
“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.”
A statement from Highways England on Monday morning revealed the A11 would remain closed until “mid-morning or afternoon” amid the police probe.
The closure is expected to be lifted between 2.30pm and 2.45pm on Monday.
