Bryce Hodgson, a 30-year-old man armed with a crossbow, was shot dead by armed police officers today after attempting to break into a three-story home in Surrey Quays, Southwark. The incident occurred at approximately 5 a.m. Two individuals with minor injuries were rescued from the targeted flat.
Hodgson, who was killed by the police, was reportedly armed with an arsenal of weapons, including at least two crossbows, a knife, and an axe. He was also wearing body armour. His actions had left residents in the area deeply disturbed.
This incident follows Hodgson’s recent court appearance on stalking charges. Allegedly, he broke into a woman’s bedroom and sent her a barrage of text messages.
Hodgson, originally from Sheffield but residing in Middlesbrough until 2015, met a fatal end during the confrontation with armed officers. Paramedics arrived at the scene shortly after 5 a.m., but Hodgson was pronounced dead at the scene.
[data-ps-embed-type=slideshow] > iframe {position: absolute;top: 0;left: 0;} _psEmbed(“https:///uknip.photoshelter.com”);The weapons recovered from the scene included crossbows, a knife, a sword, and a hatchet, all of which Hodgson had in his possession. Photographs from the scene revealed additional items in his attack kit, such as military boots, a gas mask, and a bulletproof Kevlar plate vest, along with crossbow bolts.
Residents were awakened by a couple’s screams and shouts just moments before the attacker was shot. The police investigation is ongoing, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is handling the case, as is standard procedure when an individual is shot by an officer.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, responsible for firearms within the Metropolitan Police, commented on the situation, stating that the unarmed officers who initially responded to the scene knew they were dealing with a man armed with weapons, posing a threat to people inside the property. Armed officers were then called to the scene to try and resolve the situation, ultimately leading to the fatal confrontation.
The incident has raised concerns among the local community, with many people expressing their worries about safety in the area. An independent investigation by the IOPC is currently underway to determine the full circumstances of the incident.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his thoughts for those affected by the incident and urged anyone with information to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously. Fatal police shootings are relatively rare in the UK, with only three reported in the year leading up to March 31, 2023
