Thetford man shot dead by police had been carrying air gun

A man shot dead by police in Norfolk had been carrying an air gun, a watchdog has said.

Tony Keeble was shot in the chest and abdomen by armed officers next to the Thetford bypass on 28 December because they believed he was carrying a handgun.

The shooting is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has said the weapon recovered from the roadside was a “gas-powered air gun”.

The 61-year-old, who lived in the town, was given first aid but was declared dead at the scene at about 22:15 GMT.

Most air weapons do not require a licence, but no-one who has been sentenced to three or more years in jail can use one, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Norfolk Police was initially called to a crash between a Honda Jazz and a Mercedes van by the gates of Thetford cemetery on London Road at about 20:25 GMT.

The Honda driver was found to have suffered minor injuries but declined to be treated at hospital.

Officers received several reports from members of the public that a man carrying a handgun had left the scene and had been spotted on London Road.

Keeble was found by armed officers next to the A11 near Sainsbury’s, about a mile away.

He was ordered to drop his weapon twice. Shortly after, two officers each fired a shot which struck him.

Police bodycam footage, as well as dashcam footage, has been reviewed by IOPC investigators.

Initial statements have been given by the officers, with further statements set to be taken.

All the officers are currently being treated as witnesses as there is “no indication” so far that policing standards of professional behaviour were breached, the IOPC has said.

IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “We understand that any incident of this nature is likely to cause public concern, particularly in the local Norfolk community, with questions about the circumstances surrounding this event.

“That’s why it’s important that we carry out a robust and thorough independent investigation.

“Our investigation remains in its early stages, and we are still gathering and reviewing evidence as we work to establish the full circumstances.”