An inquest into the death of Bryce Hodgson, who was shot dead by armed police officers after breaking into a home armed with a crossbow, has begun at Southwark Coroner’s Court.
The incident occurred on January 30 when Hodgson, 30, gained entry to a property on Bywater Place, Surrey Quays. Armed with a crossbow and other weapons, Hodgson’s threatening behaviour prompted a call to the police, leading to the deployment of armed response units.
Senior Coroner Dr. Julian Morris outlined the events, stating that Hodgson entered the property armed with various weapons, including a crossbow. As police arrived on the scene and encountered threatening behaviour from Hodgson, armed response units were called, resulting in shots being fired. Hodgson was pronounced dead at the scene.
A provisional post-mortem examination revealed that Hodgson succumbed to gunshot wounds to his neck and chest.
The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) is currently investigating the incident. Harriet Griffiths, the lead investigator on the case, provided insights into the police response, stating, “Police units attended but were unable to detain him and they were shortly followed by their firearms colleagues, who, as you know, fired shots.
Originally from Sheffield, Hodgson was single and employed in IT at the time of his death, with his last known address in southeast London.
The inquest proceedings were adjourned to allow the IOPC to continue its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hodgson’s death.
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