The transport organisation was informed by Norfolk Constabulary of a multi-vehicle collision on the southbound carriageway of the A11 near Thetford last night just after 9pm.

The road was closed in both directions to enable crews from Norfolk Constabulary, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, East of England Ambulance Service and East Anglian Air Ambulance to conduct investigations.

National Highways stated that the road would remain closed as Norfolk Police continues its investigations, which would likely take all day.

It added: “National Highways area team crews are assisting police by providing traffic management at both closure points.”

Norfolk Police confirmed that a man thought to be carrying a handgun has been shot and killed by police following a car crash.

A diversion route has been put in place by National Highways to help drivers impacted by the traffic conditions.

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Road users travelling southbound are advised to follow the below diversion, which is not symbol-led:

• At the roundabout with the A134, take the first exit onto the A134 towards Thetford
• Remain on the A134 southbound for approximately 12 miles to Bury St Edmunds and the A14 J43 Roundabout/St Saviours Interchange
• Take the fourth exit to join the A14 westbound and continue to J38 of the A14 to continue your journey

Road users travelling northbound are advised to follow the below diversion, which is not symbol-led:

• Exit the A11 northbound at Elvedon, and at the end of the slip road, turn right onto the B1106 towards Brandon
• At Brandon, turn right onto Green Road and follow this to the junction with the B1107/Thetford Road
• Turn right onto the B1107 towards Thetford and continue for approximately four miles to the roundabout with the A134 to re-join the A11

HIGHWAYS ENGLAND

Norfolk Police said a man, who is believed to be the driver of one of the two vehicles, left the scene holding something that was “described as a handgun”.

Armed response officers attended the scene, with the man being shot by police from “a short distance away”.

Emergency services attended the scene, although the man could not be saved and he passed away.

Assistant Chief Constable David Buckley, from Norfolk Police, 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.

“We are of course cooperating fully with the IOPC investigation and will be handing over all body-worn footage and 999 calls to ensure transparency.

“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”