A 61-year-old man with a handgun who was shot dead by armed police following a car crash in Norfolk has been named.
Tony Keeble, from Thetford, was shot in the chest and the abdomen by police following reports that a man had been seen with a handgun.
A collision between a car and a Mercedes van on London Road in Thetford, Norfolk, had been reported to police at around 8.25pm on Sunday, December 28.
Armed officers arrived at the scene at around 9pm amid reports that a man had been spotted with a handgun and had left the scene.
Mr Keeble was found by officers on the side of the A11, and was ordered to drop his weapon twice. Shortly later, two officers fired a single shot, which struck him.
First aid was carried out, and an ambulance was called; however, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem carried out today established his provisional cause of death was gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. An inquest is yet to be scheduled.
Police bodycam footage, as well as dashcam footage, has been reviewed by investigators at the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Pictured: Police at the scene on the A11 road dual carriageway near Thelford Norfolk on Sunday
Officers were called to London Road (pictured) at around 8.25pm on Sunday after receiving reports of a two-vehicle collision
Tony Keeble from Thetford was shot in the chest and the abdomen by police following reports that a man had been seen with a handgun
A firearm, which appeared not to be police-issued, was also recovered from the scene, the IOPC said.
Initial statements have been given by the officers present, the watchdog added, with further statements set to be taken as part of the probe.
All police officers are currently being treated as witnesses at this stage as there is ‘no indication’ so far that policing standards of professional behaviour were breached, the IOPC added.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: ‘We understand that any incident of this nature is likely to cause public concern, particularly in the local Norfolk community, with questions about the circumstances surrounding this event.
‘That’s why it’s important that we carry out a robust and thorough independent investigation.
‘Our investigation remains in its early stages, and we are still gathering and reviewing evidence as we work to establish the full circumstances.
‘Our sympathies remain with everyone affected by this incident.
‘We have contacted Mr Keeble’s family and will be meeting with them to explain our role and ensure they are kept updated as our investigation progresses.
‘They have asked for privacy and request that media do not contact them at this very difficult time.’
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
