A man shot dead by police after forcing entry into a Rotherhithe home has been named as convicted stalker Bryce Hodgson, according to national media.
The 30-year-old, armed with a crossbow when he was killed, reportedly received a suspended jail term in July last year.
At about 4.55am on Tuesday, 30 January, police were called to Bywater Place, a quiet residential cul-de-sac.
Crossbows, a knife, a sword and hatchet recovered at scene of fatal police shooting
They’d received reports that a man armed with several weapons was threatening to harm residents inside the address.
Police later said a knife, a sword, a hatchet and crossbows were recovered at the scene.
Local officers tried to speak to the man but said, after being threatened, armed officers were called.
The man is said to have got inside the property and a police firearm was discharged.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, who has overall responsibility for firearms, said: “The first unarmed officers knew they were arriving on scene to reports of man armed with weapons and threatening to harm people inside an address.
“The officers knew there were people inside and had genuine fears for their safety.
“Armed officers were called and attempted to get the man to surrender. They entered the property and shots were fired.”
He said the day had been “extremely difficult for everyone involved” adding: “I firmly believe their actions prevented further loss of life.”
It’s been reported that Hodgson was born in Sheffield but lived in Middlesbrough until 2015.
Officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service immediately administered first aid but police said “sadly the man died at the scene”.
MP speaks out after death of man following police shooting in Rotherhithe
Two occupants received minor injuries during the incident.
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed.
A referral has also 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.
“Armed officers are highly trained and patrol the streets of London on a daily basis, dealing with challenging, fast moving and often dangerous situations to try and protect the public and their unarmed colleagues.
“They discharge their weapons very rarely and all officers understand and expect that when they do, their actions will be closely scrutinised.”
Local MP Neil Coyle 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.”