Latest news with #Hollingbourne
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Man shot by armed police outside rural Kent pub was 'wielding a chainsaw and another object officers thought was a homemade BOMB'
A man shot and seriously injured by armed police outside a rural village pub was wielding a chainsaw and holding what officers believed was a homemade bomb, a watchdog has said. Cops in protective clothing and bomb squad officers flocked to the area outside the Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne, Kent last night. The man, described as being in his 30s, was initially visited by unarmed police at a property opposite the pub at approximately 7.15pm due to an 'outstanding warrant' against him - but refused to come out. Armed officers were then deployed and reportedly found the man wearing a gas mask and body armour, holding a chainsaw and another object police suspected was a handmade firearm or improvised explosive device (IED). The man then ignored two warning baton rounds and refused to put down the chainsaw, at which point he was shot by an armed officer with a conventional firearm. He was left with injuries described as 'not believed to be life-threatening but [that] may be life-changing', the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. The police watchdog said the man was given first aid at the scene and taken to hospital with wounds to his arm and abdomen. Despite the presence of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, complete with a remote-controlled robot, Kent Police said that the case 'was not related to any terrorism offences'. Kent Police confirmed that officers attended a property on Ashford Road across the road from the Park Gate Inn pub. 'We have been advised by Kent police that unarmed officers attended the house at around 7.15pm to arrest a man on suspicion of assault,' the IOPC said. 'He refused to come out of the house, so the officers were instructed to withdraw and armed officers were then deployed. '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. 'A detailed search of the scene continued today and among the weapons found at the scene were a chainsaw and a device which was made safe by the bomb squad (EOD).' A 100-metre cordon was put in place around the boozer following the incident, which began shortly after 7pm on July 7. The shooting took place just before 9pm. Dramatic aerial footage captured armoured vehicles parked up outside the property securing the area. One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, reportedly described seeing 'armed officers shouting commands before a loud bang'. In a brief statement released by Kent Police this afternoon, they said cops had been carrying out an arrest when an armed officer opened fire. Kent Police said: 'On Monday 7 July 2025, Kent Police officers attended a property in Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, near Maidstone to conduct an arrest for an outstanding warrant. 'This was not related to any terrorism offences. 'Following initial attendance, officers were further supported by additional units including firearms patrols. 'During the incident a man in his 30s was shot by officers and was subsequently taken to hospital where he remains. 'Officers remain at the scene and have been supported by an EOD team who made the area safe. 'As with all police shootings, a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and Kent Police will assist the IOPC with its independent investigation as appropriate.' The IOPC is the independent police watchdog to which regional police forces must refer the most serious incidents, including shootings, regardless of whether or not an official complaint has been filed. An IOPC spokesman said: 'The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the police shooting of a man wielding a chainsaw last night (7 July) which left him seriously injured. 'After being notified by Kent Police at around 10.30pm, we declared an independent investigation shortly afterwards.' IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: 'Police shootings are fortunately rare, however, given a man has been injured after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police. 'Based on analysis of evidence gathered to date, no police officer is under investigation for either misconduct or criminality – they are being treated as witnesses. 'We appreciate that the community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts and piece together what occurred. 'Our thoughts are with everyone affected.' Trauma kits and emergency first aid bags were still open outside the pub this morning having appeared to have been used. A police riot shield was also resting on a fence. Forensic officers carrying black bags were also reportedly seen this morning. Locals are being urged to stay away from the scene. The A20 Ashford Road was closed in both directions, with officers seen guarding the cordon on Tuesday morning. Eddie Powell, chairman of Harrietsham Parish Council, said locals has been stunned by the incident which was 'completely out of character' for the village. 'We heard police cars racing along last night and thought it must be an accident, as that happens quite a lot,' he told KentOnline. 'But then in the early hours we heard the bomb squad were called to a property near the pub . 'This is completely out of character for around here. It's the sort of thing you'd expect to happen in Oxford Street or Pall Mall.' Other locals said they had been left horrified by the police shooting - which they did not hear. Jamie Shiels, 52, who has lived in his cottage for four years, said: 'We didn't hear anything which is unusual because it is so quiet here that we normally would hear something like that. 'We haven't been told anything by police. We were so shocked this morning. It is very unusual. 'We lived in London all our lives before coming here so we are more used to these things. But you definitely don't expect to hear it down here.' Debby Bamforth, 51, who has lived in her home for 18 years says she has never had any problems before. She added: 'My husband told me the road was closed off this morning and that was the first I heard of it. 'I was very shocked. You would never expect that here. 'Nothing like this has ever happened before. It is a sleepy village. You feel safe and you can leave your doors unlocked.' Couple Martin and Sandra Paterson-Foad say the only problem in their quiet village is the traffic - which was worsened by today's road closures. Sandra, 71, said: 'We had no idea what happened until we asked the neighbours. I was very surprised. It is so shocking. 'The traffic has been a nightmare. We are a little village with narrow roads. 'It is not the quiet little place it was when we moved here.' Hollingbourne is a small village with a population of around 900 people, according to the last census. It is located about five miles east of Maidstone and is off the M20, one of the main highway leading through Kent. In a statement, the Park Gate Inn said: 'Due to a police incident that took place late last night in the houses opposite the pub, we are currently closed while the authorities complete their work in the area. 'We want to reassure everyone that nothing happened in the pub itself - all our team are safe and well. We're simply following guidance to ensure everyone's safety. 'We'll keep you updated and hope to reopen as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and support.' The boozer is described as a 'dog-friendly' country pub. It is named after the gate that once led into Leeds Castle Park in the mid nineteenth century. Leeds Castle has been home to royalty, lords and ladies for over a thousand years. Park Gate was a small hamlet at that time and was served by the inn that has a 16th century building at its core. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said explosives experts from 11 EOD&S Regiment, 621 Squadron, had been called to the scene. An MoD spokesman added: 'We can confirm an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called out to a possible item of concern in the Hollingbourne area of Kent. 'Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot confirm the nature of the item. All further queries should be directed to the Police.'
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Yahoo
A20 reopens after police shooting and bomb squad searches in Kent
The A20 in Hollingbourne has fully reopened after days of disruption following a police shooting and searches by bomb disposal teams. 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. READ MORE: 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.'
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Police find at least NINE suspicious devices after shooting gas mask-clad plumber as he wielded chainsaw
Police have found at least nine suspicious devices at the scene where they shot a gas mask-clad plumber as he wielded a chainsaw. Sean O'Meara, 36, was targeted by officers during an arrest on suspicion of assault at his parents' home in the village of Hollingbourne, Kent, on Monday evening. Kent Police believed the suspect, who was also wearing body armour, was holding an improvised firearm or improvised explosive device (IED). After he refused to leave the property opposite The Park Gate Inn when police were first called at around 7.15pm, armed officers were deployed, who shot at around 9pm. Officers called on an explosive ordnance disposal team to the scene outside the country pub - but they are not treating this as a terror incident. The suspect, as of Saturday, remains in hospital with 'life-changing' injuries, in an induced coma, following the chainsaw 'falling on him'. Shocking pictures of the scene near Maidstone show heavy protective clothing and a robot used by the bomb squad to deal with the terrifying incident. Parts of the nearby A20 were closed across several days as the bomb squad searched the area but the road has now fully re-opened. Two baton rounds were reportedly fired at O'Meara but failed to subdue him - before an officer discharged a conventional firearm. It was confirmed on Thursday officers had found 'at least four' suspicious devices in the area. O'Meara's half-brother, Liam, said he is currently being treated at King's College Hospital in London. He claimed his brother has 'mental health problems', adding he believes police used unreasonable force and officers could have instead shot him in the leg or tasered him. He told The Telegraph: 'When he was shot, most of the damage was when he dropped the chainsaw and it fell on him. 'The bullet's gone straight in and out so it hasn't caused many problems.' But he believes his brother now could possibly lose the ability to use his arm. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the officer-involved shooting. 'We have been advised by Kent Police that unarmed officers attended the house at around 7.15pm to arrest a man on suspicion of assault', the IOPC said. 'He refused to come out of the house so the officers were instructed to withdraw and armed officers were then deployed. '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. 'A detailed search of the scene continued today and among the weapons found at the scene were a chainsaw and a device which was made safe by the bomb squad (EOD).' A 100-metre cordon was put in place around the pub across from the property following the incident. Dramatic aerial footage captured armoured vehicles parked up outside the property securing the area. Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon, West Divisional Commander for Kent Police, 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.' He previously said: 'At this current time, there is nothing to suggest a wider threat to the Hollingbourne community, but we have found at least four suspicious devices at the scene and it is important that the area is made safe.' A Kent Police spokesperson said on Friday: 'Intermittent road closures on the A20 will continue throughout the day on Friday, July 11, whilst ongoing enquiries continue in Hollingbourne. 'This is following a police shooting which took place on Monday, July 7, 2025. 'Given the nature of the enquires that are currently taking place parts of the A20 will be required to be closed for short periods of time. 'The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team are attending the scene to carry out further searches of the area. 'Motorists are advised to find alternative routes until further notice, and we would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding at this time.' It followed a brief statement from the force on Wednesday afternoon, saying cops had been carrying out an arrest when an armed officer opened fire.
The Independent
12-07-2025
- The Independent
Police find at least nine suspicious devices after shooting man with chainsaw
At least nine suspicious devices have now been found at the scene where a chainsaw-wielding man was shot by police during an arrest, Kent Police said. Plumber Sean O'Meara, 36, was wearing a gas-mask and body armour when he was shot and seriously injured by a police officer close to The Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne, Kent, on Monday. Police believed the suspect was holding an improvised firearm or improvised explosive device (IED) and an explosive ordnance disposal team was called. Parts of the A20 were closed across several days as the bomb squad carried out further searches of the area, but the road has now fully re-opened. The suspect remains in hospital after suffering life-changing injuries, the force said in an update on Saturday. Police are not treating the incident as terrorist related. Officers went to an address in Ashford Road at about 7.15pm on Monday to arrest a man on suspicion of assault, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said. The man refused to leave the house and armed officers were deployed. The shooting happened at about 9pm. Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon 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.'
BBC News
12-07-2025
- BBC News
More devices found in Hollingbourne by Kent Police after man shot
Further suspicious devices have been found at the scene where a man believed to be wielding a chainsaw and wearing a gas mask was shot by officers in Kent, police have man was shot on Monday evening at a property in Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, after officers arrived to arrest a man in his mid-30s on suspicion of remains in hospital with life-changing injuries, said Kent Police."At least nine suspicious devices" have now been found near Ashford Road (A20) after it was closed again on Friday for further searches, the force said. Bomb squad officers were recalled to the scene on Wednesday evening after at least four items were found which needed to be safely disposed of, it confirmed a statement on Saturday, Kent Police said: "As part of ongoing searches of the local area since the incident, officers were required to intermittently close the A20 across several days to allow further work to be carried out by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team."During this time, they have tended to at least nine suspicious devices."Ch Supt Neil Loudon said it had been a complex investigation and thanked the public for their patience while officers conducted "vital searches".The force previously said the incident was not related to terrorism and that the man who was shot had suffered life-changing but not life-threatening injuries.
