Man Shot Dead by Police After Fleeing Crash in Thetford

A man was fatally shot by police in Thetford, Norfolk, on Sunday evening after he fled the scene of a two-vehicle collision while holding what appeared to be a handgun.

Officers from Norfolk Constabulary responded to reports of the crash on London Road around 8:25 p.m. The man, believed to be the driver of one of the involved vehicles, left the area on foot carrying the weapon, according to police statements. Armed response teams arrived shortly after and located him a short distance away. They discharged their firearms, striking the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene despite treatment by emergency services.

The incident prompted an immediate referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the police use of lethal force. Norfolk Constabulary has launched its own inquiry to determine the full sequence of events, including details of the collision itself. Officials emphasized that no other individuals are being sought in connection with the matter.

Assistant Chief Constable David Buckley addressed the event in a statement, noting the potential impact on the local community. "We...