Police shoot ‘talented’ dad-of-two dead, after fight breaks out in street in Swindon

Police shot dead a dad-of-two after officers were called to report two men “arguing in the street.”

The national police watchdog is investigating after officers shot him in Summers Lane, Swindon just after 2 am this morning.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that at 2.56 am the man was pronounced dead in an ambulance.

Neighbors paid tribute to the man who had been wounded.

A rifle-style pellet gun was reportedly retrieved earlier this morning from the street by police forensics officers.

The Swindon Advertiser states that one of the men’s neighbors, a 66-year-old man who did not want to give his name, said the man had been the first to help others out.

“Anything you needed or wanted he’d have helped you out,” he said – adding that his mate, a father-of-two, had been a professional mechanic.

The IOPC said in a statement, “Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of those affected by this terrible incident.”

“When the police shoot a member of the public fatally, it is important for them to conduct an impartial investigation.

“As part of their relevant inquiries, we have developed procedures with the police to ensure that our investigations do not obstruct their ability to conduct enquiries.”

The shooting victim has yet to be identified by the authorities.

Wiltshire Police said in a statement: “We can confirm that a report has been made to the Independent Office for Police Behaviour following an incident in Summers Street, Swindon, shortly after 2 am this morning.”

“It refers to the death of a member of the public.

“The IOPC are separately investigating this incident so it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further on it.

“However, we would like to reassure the public that there is no danger to the broader community and that the police presence in the region is expected to increase for a significant period of time.”