Investigation launched after man shot dead by police in Thetford
Independent Office for Police Conduct begins investigation as A11 remains closed
Last updated 29th Dec 2025
A man was shot dead by police in Thetford after armed officers responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash and a possible firearm on London Road.
Norfolk Constabulary has referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has begun an investigation.
Police were called to London Road at around 8.25pm on 28th December 2025 following reports of a collision.
One of the drivers, a man, fled the scene with what was described as a handgun. Armed officers pursued, and the man was shot a short distance away.
Emergency services treated the man at the scene, but he was pronounced dead.
Investigation and road closures
The incident is under investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the shooting. Norfolk Constabulary has stated it is cooperating fully with the IOPC and providing all relevant materials, including body-worn footage and 999 call records.
Assistant Chief Constable David Buckley addressed community concerns, saying: "We understand this incident will cause concern in the community. Our highly trained armed officers deploy to hundreds of firearms-related calls each year, but incidents where police discharge firearms are thankfully incredibly rare. A full and independent investigation is already underway.”
ACC Buckley confirmed that officers are not searching for anyone else in connection to the incident.
The A11 remains closed in both directions between the Thetford Ranges roundabout and the Brandon Road roundabout while investigations continue.
IOPC Statement
An IOPC spokesperson said:
“We can confirm we have begun an independent investigation after a man was shot by Norfolk Police, who were responding to an incident, on Sunday 28 December.
“We were notified by the force after the incident on the A11, at Thetford, near the exit for London Road, just before 9.40pm and declared an independent investigation a short time later.
“Despite the man receiving treatment for his injuries, he sadly died at the scene.
“We sent investigators to the post-incident procedure to begin our enquiries and start gathering evidence.
“Our investigation is in its very early stages.”