A20 reopens after police shooting and bomb squad searches in Kent
Kent Police confirmed that searches at the scene are now complete, and the road — which had been intermittently closed since Monday — has been made safe.
As part of ongoing searches in the area throughout the week, at least nine suspicious devices were dealt with by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
It follows a incident on Monday July 7, when a man armed with a chainsaw was shot by a police officer near the Park Gate Inn on Ashford Road, close to Maidstone.
Sean O'Meara, a 36-year-old plumber, was wearing a gas mask and body armour when officers attempted to arrest him on suspicion of assault.
Police believed at the time he may have been in possession of an improvised firearm or explosive device.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said officers were called to the address at around 7.15pm.
Armed officers were deployed after the man refused to leave the property.
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He was shot at approximately 9pm after ignoring repeated instructions to drop the chainsaw he was holding.
The IOPC said: 'We have seen officers' body worn footage which shows the man, aged in his mid-30s, holding a chainsaw and another object in his hand, which, at the time, officers believed appeared to be a handmade firearm or IED (improvised explosive device).
'He was also wearing a gas mask and body armour.
'We can confirm a first baton round was fired by police and the man then took cover behind a hedge.
'Officers moved in and a police dog was deployed. The man ignored orders to put down the chainsaw and a second baton round was discharged and then, seconds later, he moved towards officers and was shot by an officer with a conventional firearm.'
Mr O'Meara was taken to hospital with injuries to his arm and abdomen. Police say he remains in hospital with injuries described as life-changing.
Kent Police said the incident is not terror-related.
Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon, West Divisional Commander, said: 'This has been a complex investigation and we appreciate that the intermittent closure of the A20 caused disruption to many.
'We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding whilst we conducted these vital searches.'
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