Latest news with #IOPC
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Police officer, 32, is charged after unmarked cop car crashed into teenage pedestrian
A serving police officer has been charged with dangerous driving after his unmarked car ploughed into a teenage pedestrian. PC Dan Parsons, 32, based in South Gloucestershire, was driving the vehicle in Bristol as he responded to an emergency on Sunday, November 24. The unmarked police car collided with a 19-year-old woman at a roundabout, where the A4174 joins Badminton Road in Emersons Green. Following the crash, the teenager was taken to hospital with injuries and has since been discharged. Avon and Somerset Police have referred the collision to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which deemed it suitable for a local investigation by the Professional Standards Department. An investigation was also carried out by the police's Serious Collision Investigations Team and the case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, resulting in the officer being charged. PC Parsons will appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court later today.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- 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
7 days ago
- 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.'
BBC News
11-07-2025
- BBC News
Hollingbourne road closures continue after man shot by police
Road closures were continuing while officers searched an area where a man who was believed to be wielding a chainsaw and wearing a gas mask was shot by police in man was shot on Monday evening at a property in Ashford Road (A20), Hollingbourne, after officers arrived to arrest a man in his mid-30s on suspicion of the road had initially reopened following the incident, it was closed again as searches were carried out and on Thursday officers found four "suspicious devices" at the Friday, Kent Police said intermittent road closures of the A20 would continue throughout the day while an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team carried out searches of the area. Kent Police previously said the incident was not related to terrorism, and the man who was shot had suffered life-changing, not life-threatening, bodycam footage of the shooting had shown a man wielding a chainsaw and holding another item, which officers believed at the time to be an improvised explosive device, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Married police officer who sent hundreds of messages to a woman who reported a crime in a bid to try to have sex with her is sacked
A constable who tried to have sex with a woman who reported a crime has been fired after an investigation into his behaviour. PC Matthew Peall, who had sent hundreds of flirty messages to a witness asking if she had a 'high sex drive' and if she was 'up for everything', was found guilty of committing gross misconduct. He badgered the care-home employee who reported the burglary of an elderly client with frequent text messages, emails and phone calls both on and off duty, which made her 'uncomfortable'. The married cop, who worked for Kent Police, allegedly told the woman in 2019 'it would just be for sex' after she highlighted that he had a wife and children, adding 'it's sex, nothing more, you know my situation', it was reported in The Independent. A panel at the Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) proved at the end of a three-day disciplinary hearing that PC Peall had breached the police professional standards of behaviour relating to honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy, duties and responsibilities, and discreditable conduct. They found that 86 per cent of the messages he had sent were of a personal nature and nothing to do with the investigation. PC Peall, who is based in Canterbury, had even tried to arrange a meeting with the woman to allegedly make a statement and suggested she make sure her daughter is not at home when he visits. He had also told her that he had made his way to her house unannounced but turned back when he thought he should better confirm with her first. The witness told a jury at Southwark Crown Court last year that the pair chatted about general topics the first time she gave a statement but had mentioned an ex-partner had cheated on her. When she provided a second statement at a separate occasion, where then he allegedly sent her a text along the lines of 'I wasn't sure if that was a wink goodbye' when he left. Flirty comments were then made after a third statement and began his barrage of messages. The witness would often ignore his remarks or divert the conversation back to the investigation. Despite her best efforts, the cop went on to say he would want to use contraception because he does not want any more children 'running around'. Once, he asked her if he had overstepped the mark and told her they 'could be wicked together'. Prosecutor Zarah Dickinson said the messages were 'persistent' and 'on occasions when she did not respond, because her elderly client passed away for example, Peall attempts to re-engage her in flirtatious chat'. She said: '(She) thought that if she did not respond to his messages then he would get the message. He sends these messages when he is both on duty and off duty. '(The complainant) was in no doubt from the conversation and previous messages exchanged that he wanted to come over to have sex with her … Peall messaged (her), 'you up for everything…?' then clarifying, 'How far you're happy to go…' and 'I'm not coming over for tea am I…haha. '(The complainant) felt unable to tell Peall to stop because of her own past relationships.' He was found not guilty of abuse of position for a sexual purpose - a charge which he had denied - at the crown courts in August. After the court hearing, Kent Police said: 'The charge related to an allegation he had pursued an inappropriate relationship with a witness during the course of a burglary investigation in Canterbury between October and December 2019, investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). 'PC Peall has been suspended from duty since the allegations were first reported and disciplinary proceedings will now continue following the outcome of the criminal case.' The IOPC have since found that the woman responded to some of PC Peall's text messages but she frequently ignored his messages or diverted the conversation back to the investigation. In a statement to the IOPC she described how, as a witness who tried to assist a police investigation, she additionally had to deal with unwanted advances from PC Peall. He was dismissed without notice and will also be placed on the policing barred list. IOPC Director Emily Barry said: 'I would like to praise the courage of the woman who supported our investigation into PC Peall's behaviour. 'She wanted him to focus on the police investigation into the burglary rather than trying to form an inappropriate relationship with her. 'Our investigation found he knew he was behaving inappropriately, as there were times when he asked if she was getting his messages and if he had overstepped the line. 'There is a power imbalance between police officers acting in the course of their duties and members of the public they come into contact with through their work. 'The guidance for officers shows the responsibility lies with them to maintain a professional boundary. Officers who abuse their position for a sexual purpose have absolutely no place in policing and it's behaviour like his that damages the public's trust and confidence in police officers.'
