Man armed with knives shot dead by police in Westminster

A man armed with two knives has been shot dead by police in Westminster.

Officers were on patrol at around 11.24pm last night when they noticed a man who they believed to be acting suspiciously.

Officers challenged the man who produced two knives.

He was then shot by officers.

London Ambulance Service attended and the man was pronounced dead at the scene at Great Scotland Yard short time later.

No police officers or members of the public were injured during the incident.

Enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing.

The incident is not being treated as terrorism.

Road closures remain in place around the area.

The Directorate of Professional Standards and the IOPC has been informed.

An IOPC spokesman said: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct has begun an independent investigation following an incident involving officers from the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police in Great Scotland Yard in Westminster, London WC2 around 11.25pm on Sunday, March 8.

“At this early stage it is believed a man has been fatally shot during the police response to reports of a man carrying knives and acting suspiciously.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of those affected by this terrible incident.

“IOPC investigators are on the way to the scene, and the post incident procedures where the key police witnesses will provide their initial accounts.

“It is mandatory for us to conduct an independent investigation when the police fatally shoot a member of the public. We have established protocols with the police to ensure our investigations do not hinder their ability to conduct enquiries as part of their related investigations.”