A dramatic police operation unfolded in Hollingbourne, Kent, on Monday evening when officers shot a man wielding a chainsaw and wearing a gas mask. The incident, which occurred around 9 PM near the Park Gate Inn, has sparked an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Incident Overview

Kent police were dispatched to a property on Ashford Road to arrest a man in his mid-30s on suspicion of assault. Upon arrival, officers encountered the suspect brandishing a chainsaw and holding an object they believed could be an improvised explosive device (IED). The man, also clad in body armour, refused to exit the premises, prompting the deployment of armed officers.

Police Response and Shooting

According to the IOPC, initial attempts to subdue the suspect included firing a baton round, after which the man sought cover behind a hedge. Despite further warnings, he advanced towards the officers, leading to a second baton round and ultimately a conventional firearm being discharged. The suspect sustained injuries to his arm and abdomen and was hospitalized with injuries deemed life-changing but not life-threatening.

Investigation and Community Impact

The IOPC is conducting an independent investigation to scrutinize the actions and decisions of the police during the incident. Amanda Rowe, an IOPC director, emphasized the rarity of police shootings and the importance of a thorough inquiry. "Our investigators are working diligently to establish the facts," Rowe stated, noting that no officers are currently under investigation for misconduct or criminality.

Weapons and Safety Measures

At the scene, police discovered several weapons, and a bomb squad was called in to safely neutralize a device. Authorities have confirmed that the incident was not related to terrorism, aiming to reassure the local community amid heightened concerns.