IOPC launches independent investigation into fatal police shooting in Thetford
Officers were responding to a reported collision and sighting of a man believed to be carrying a firearm
Last updated 29th Dec 2025
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it has opened an independent investigation following a fatal police shooting in Thetford, Norfolk last night.
Formal identification has not yet taken place, but the deceased is believed to be a man in his sixties. His next of kin has been informed.
Initial information gathered from police call logs shows that Norfolk Constabulary officers were called to a reported two-vehicle collision on London Road shortly before 8.30pm. Armed officers were deployed after reports that a man had left the scene carrying what was described as a handgun.
A short time later, officers located a man near the A11. Police have confirmed that two shots were fired shortly before 9pm. First aid was administered at the scene, but the man was pronounced dead shortly before 10.15pm.
The IOPC was notified by Norfolk Constabulary shortly before 9.40pm and subsequently declared an independent investigation. Investigators have attended post-incident procedures and have begun securing evidence, including officer accounts, police logs and body-worn video footage.
A firearm believed to be non-police issue has been recovered from the scene.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “Fatal police shootings are rare, however when they do occur it’s essential that an independent investigation is carried out into the actions and decision-making of the officers involved.
“Our investigation is in its initial stages and we are in the process of obtaining and reviewing evidence as we begin to piece together the circumstances surrounding this incident.
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and everyone affected by this incident. We will be making contact with the man’s family in due course to explain our role and the next steps.”
Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall of Norfolk Police said:
“This is a very serious matter, sadly someone has lost their life, and I understand people will want to know what happened.
“However, there is a duty on this organisation, my colleagues and I, to protect the integrity and independence of the IOPC investigation so it can progress and make its own assessment of what happened.
“We are cooperating fully with the IOPC investigation and are in the process of handing over all body-worn video footage, 999 calls and drone footage so this can be thoroughly investigated, and to ensure full transparency.”