Man Wearing Gas Mask and Wielding Chainsaw Shot by Police During Armed Standoff in Kent Village
A dramatic police operation near Leeds Castle in Kent ended with a man being shot and seriously injured by armed officers after he allegedly threatened to detonate an explosive device and charged at officers wielding a chainsaw.
The man, believed to be in his mid-30s, was subject to an outstanding warrant for court offences including drug cultivation and assault. Kent Police officers were initially called to a property on Ashford Road in Hollingbourne, near the Park Gate Inn, at 7.15pm on Monday evening (July 7), to make the arrest.
After the man refused to come out and made threats, officers withdrew and specialist armed units were deployed to the scene. The man was reportedly seen wearing body armour and a gas mask, and holding what appeared to be an improvised explosive device (IED) in one hand and a chainsaw in the other.
Two Baton Rounds Fired Before Police Shoot
According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), body-worn camera footage shows officers issuing multiple commands for the man to drop the chainsaw. A baton round was first fired when the man refused, prompting him to take cover in a hedge. When he emerged again, still armed, a second baton round was deployed.
Seconds later, the suspect is said to have advanced toward officers. He was then shot with a live round, sustaining gunshot wounds to his arm and abdomen.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to a London hospital, where his injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening—though possibly life-changing.
Bomb Squad Called In, Device Made Safe
The property was immediately cordoned off and the British Army’s bomb disposal unit (EOD) was deployed to secure the scene. A device found at the scene was rendered safe, and a chainsaw was recovered.
A large section of the A20 Ashford Road, between Chegworth Road and Penfold Hill, remains closed as police and forensics teams continue their investigations. Nearby, the Park Gate Inn pub has been closed as a precaution while the cordon remains in place.
Community Shocked
Locals described hearing police sirens racing through the village. Harrietsham Parish Council chairman Eddie Powell said:
“This is completely out of character for around here. It is the sort of thing you would expect to happen in Oxford Street or Pall Mall.”
The incident has left the tight-knit rural community stunned, with some comparing the police presence to scenes from major urban operations.
IOPC Investigation Underway
The IOPC has launched a mandatory independent investigation into the incident. Director Amanda Rowe said:
“Police shootings are fortunately rare. Given a man has been injured, our role is to independently investigate the circumstances, including the decisions and actions taken by police.”
“Based on the evidence gathered so far, no officer is under investigation for misconduct or criminality. They are currently being treated as witnesses.”
The IOPC confirmed its investigators have been on-site overnight and throughout Tuesday gathering evidence and reviewing officer accounts.
Previous Charges Revealed
Court records reviewed by this publication show that Sean O’Meara, 36, of Parkgate Oast House, is currently facing charges of cannabis cultivation and supply, and was wanted on a warrant after failing to appear at an earlier court hearing. His parents, Stuart and Catherine O’Meara, who live in the adjacent Park Gate Cottage, also face charges of permitting the production of cannabis on their premises.
Kent Police said the attempted arrest on Monday was not related to terrorism.
