‘BB gun’ found near man Tasered and shot by police in Greenwich

A man who was shot by armed police last Friday in Greenwich had a ‘BB calibre airsoft pistol” near him at the scene, confirmed the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The Metropolitan Police said they were called to Creek Road in Deptford at around 2.30pm on August 5 to “reports of a man with a firearm”.

The man, aged 36, was tasered before a Met officer “discharged a single shot”, according to the IOPC.

The man was shot in the abdomen and taken to hospital, but his injuries are not considered to be life changing or life threatening.

In a statement, the IOPC said: “What appeared to be a non-police issue firearm was found at the scene. It has been subject to ballistic testing which confirms it is a BB calibre airsoft pistol.

“As part of our independent investigation, we will gather and analyse a range of evidence – including body worn video, CCTV and eye witness accounts, as well as the initial accounts of police officers.”

Regional director for London at the IOPC, Sal Naseem, said: “The discharge of police firearms are rare but when this occurs it is important a thorough and independent investigation takes place.

“We are working to establish all the circumstances surrounding the sequence of events which led to this man sustaining his injuries. 

“Our investigation is still in its very early stages.”

Neither the Met or IOPC has been able to confirm whether the man has been arrested or charged.

One witness, Gemma Daly, 31, a technology consultant who lives in a flat above Creek Road, said she was making food when she heard a loud bang.

She said: “I heard some shouting then heard a huge bang. About a minute later [I heard] police sirens so went to the window and saw four police cars followed by ambulance and then armed police arrived about five minutes later.

“They searched the car on the bridge. The man on the side of the bridge was being treated on the floor by police. [His] clothing was removed and there was a wound on his front and back. [The] ambulance took over and stretchered him off.

“My assumption is it is the person who was shot.”

The Met confirmed the shooting in a statement saying: “At 2.31pm on Friday, August 5 police received multiple 999 reports of a man with a firearm in Creek Road, SE8.

“Firearms officers attended the scene. The man was located. A police firearm was discharged and the man sustained a gunshot injury.”

Pictured top: The man shot by police receives medical attention (Picture: Gemma Daly)