Neil Coyle MP has sought to reassure terrified residents in Rotherhithe following the death of a man shot by police.
The man was reportedly trying to force entry to a residential property armed with a crossbow on Bywater Place at 4.55am this morning (Tuesday, January 30).
A police firearm was discharged and the man, in his thirties, was pronounced dead at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics.
Neil Coyle, MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, said: “This scary incident was handled as quickly and toughly as possible by the police who, as ever, charged into an extremely dangerous situation to protect local people and deserve our respect for the challenging role they take on.”
The man is said to have got inside the property before he was shot and two others received minor injuries during the incident.
The MP added: “It was extremely scary for local people and some additional effort is now needed to help reassure this was an isolated incident. I’ll be out with my team and know the police and council will be stepping up activity too.”
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed. A referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) which has begun an independent investigation.
Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, responsible for policing Southwark, said: “My thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.
“I understand the local community will be concerned at the events that have taken place this morning. We will fully support the IOPC investigation into the full circumstances of what happened.”