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A man has been seriously injured following a police shooting in Hollingbourne, Kent, prompting the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to launch a formal investigation.
The incident occurred shortly before 9pm on Monday evening (7 July) when Kent Police officers responded to an emergency call in the area. During the incident, a firearm was discharged, resulting in a man sustaining life-changing injuries.
The man was taken to hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.
IOPC: “Independent Investigation Underway”
In a statement released today, an IOPC spokesperson confirmed:
“We have begun an independent investigation after a man was shot and seriously injured by Kent Police, who were responding to an incident on Monday 7 July.
We were notified by the force after the incident in Hollingbourne, which occurred shortly before 9pm, and declared an independent investigation a short time later.
The man is receiving treatment in hospital for his injuries which are thought to be life changing.
We have sent investigators to the scene and the police post-incident procedure to begin gathering evidence.
Our investigation is in the very early stages.”
Police Presence and Road Closures
Witnesses reported a large police presence in the village on Monday night, with sections of local roads cordoned off and specialist units at the scene. The circumstances leading to the shooting have not yet been made public.
The IOPC has deployed investigators to the scene to examine evidence, interview witnesses, and monitor police accounts of the incident.
Community Reaction
Residents in Hollingbourne expressed concern at the scale of the police operation, with many unsure of the events unfolding just outside their homes. One witness described seeing “armed officers shouting commands before a loud bang.”
Kent Police has not yet released its own statement, pending the outcome of the IOPC’s early enquiries.
