Man shot in hand by armed police appears in court
Officers were called to an address in Merlin Park in April
Last updated 13th May 2025
A man shot in the hand by police responding to an incident in Portishead has appeared in court charged with firearm and drug offences.
48 year old Richard Thornton was arrested after armed officers were called to an address in Merlin Park on Wednesday 30 April.
During the incident, two police firearms were discharged and a man was taken to hospital.
Mr Thornton, of Merlin Park, appeared at North Somerset Courthouse yesterday charged with being in possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of class B drugs.
He was remanded into custody and will next appear at Bristol Crown Court on 9 June.
Meanwhile, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that it will carry out an independent investigation into the police response, following a mandatory referral.