Member of the public ‘shot by accident’ by armed police
A MEMBER of the public was shot by accident as police killed three terrorists following Saturday night’s attack on London Bridge.
According to Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, police reportedly shot an “unprecedented” number of times – 50 rounds of bullets fired by eight officers – as they killed the attackers who brought carnage to the streets of the capital by stabbing a police officer and revellers with 12-inch knives, reportedly shouting “this is for Allah”.
Three men, who were shot dead by police, were pictured wearing what appeared to be explosive vests, with Scotland Yard later confirming they were hoaxes.
Mr Rowley said: “A member of the public also suffered a gunshot wound, although they are not critically injured.”
He also said police were on the scene within eight minutes, and following the shootings, an IPCC investigation will take place, but that it had been a “critical” situation for officers.
He added that he was “humbled by the bravery of officers who will rush towards a potential suicide bomber”.
And giving the statement to the media yesterday afternoon outside New Scotland Yard, Mr Rowley said: “We are making significant progress in identifying the three attackers. There is clearly more to do and we will work relentlessly to get to the facts.”
Mr Rowley said attempts are being made to contact all next of kins of the victims, but that it “may take some time”.
Mr Rowley said the cordons around the area will be in place for “some time yet”, and said additional armed and unarmed police officers will be seen across London this week.
He also revealed the van used in the attack was driven at “50mph” into pedestrians, and had been recently hired by the attackers.
Yesterday afternoon, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a Canadian national was among those killed in the attack.