Both Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard and Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson have released statements regarding the fatal shooting in Rodbourne of a 57-year-old man by a police officer.
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: "I know that yesterday’s incident in Swindon will continue to cause distress and anxiety within our communities and many people will have questions about what happened.
"As we outlined in our statements yesterday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are now independently investigating this matter as is protocol in incidents such as this.
"This means we are not able to comment on certain aspects of the incident as it is crucial the IOPC is given the time and space to ascertain the facts.
"I am aware of the public commentary on this case and I appreciate that it is in the public’s interest that the facts are made available when appropriate.
"I would urge caution when reading information relating to the incident on social media – the IOPC will keep the public updated on the case as and when they are able.
"The nature of policing is such that we will often deal with dynamic incidents where information and facts are initially uncertain. It remains clear that police actions should be subject of public accountability, including those occasions where force is used. I believe this is of vital importance to show transparency in our policing approach and to secure long term community confidence in our approach to policing across our communities.
"On this occasion, such accountability will be led and examined by the IOPC, further to our mandatory referral. We continue to co-operate fully with the IOPC independent investigation.
"I have personally spoken to every member of Wiltshire Police who was involved in yesterday’s incident and all continue to receive the appropriate welfare support.
"Finally, I would like to thank the community in Summers Street who have given officers the time and space to conduct thorough enquiries."
Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with the family of the deceased and the community within the Summers Street area of Swindon.
“I appreciate this incident would have caused significant distress and upset to many people.
“It is crucial that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are given the support and time they need to conduct a thorough investigation and to independently assess the circumstances surrounding this incident.
“As they are now investigating this matter, it would be inappropriate for my office or Wiltshire Police to comment further at this time.
“However, I wanted to personally thank the local community for their patience and understanding as enquiries continue in the area which are likely to still cause some disruption to their daily lives.
"All of the officers and staff involved in this incident are receiving full welfare support from Wiltshire Police."
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