A man armed with a sword, crossbow, knife and hatchet was shot dead by London police on Tuesday as he tried to break into a home.
The 30-year-old intruder was wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying two crossbows when he forced his way into a south London home just before 5am, the Metropolitan Police said.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it was unclear what his motive was for the break-in, but it was believed he was acquainted with one of the two people in the house and intended to harm them.
In footage obtained by police, a woman can be heard screaming for help inside the home. guardian.
“I’m scared!” the woman cried as a loud bang echoed from the house.
At that moment, police swarmed the scene shouting “armed police!” From outside.
The IOPC said police made “unsuccessful attempts to speak with the man who had entered the premises” and “subsequently requested assistance from armed officers in response to threats”.
The intruder was eventually shot and killed by two police officers.
Residents suffered only minor injuries.
Neighbors on a quiet London street were shocked by the incident.
“It’s a bit scary and weird. Things like that would never happen here,” Maisie Cooper, 24, told the Guardian.
Police shootings are extremely rare across the UK, with only one death by police recorded last year. BBC.
Police officers in this country do not normally carry firearms, but small patrols of armed officers are always on hand to respond to dire situations.
