A bomb disposal team has been sent back to the site where police shot a chainsaw-wielding man during an arrest. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit was recalled after officers discovered "items which need to be safely disposed of" at the scene.
Plumber Sean O'Meara, 36, was wearing a gas mask and body armour when he was shot and seriously injured by a police officer on Monday night close to The Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne, Kent. At the time of the incident, police believed Mr O'Meara was holding an improvised firearm or improvised explosive device (IED).
Police cordon keeps A20 closed
Kent Police said on Wednesday evening that the A20 remains closed as part of a cordon whilst work continues to make the area safe. The force said motorists are advised to find alternative routes until further notice.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said that Kent Police officers went to a house in Ashford Road at around 7.15pm on Monday to arrest a man on suspicion of assault. The man refused to leave the house and armed officers were deployed.
Shooting followed escalating confrontation
The shooting took place at around 9pm after the situation escalated. Mr O'Meara suffered wounds to his arm and abdomen and remains in hospital having suffered what are thought to be "life-changing" injuries.
The IOPC said officers' body-worn footage shows the man holding a chainsaw and another object which officers believed appeared to be a handmade firearm or IED. He was also wearing a gas mask and body armour during the confrontation.
Two baton rounds fired before shooting
A first baton round was fired by police and the man then took cover behind a hedge. Officers moved in and a police dog was deployed, but the man ignored orders to put down the chainsaw.
A second baton round was discharged and then, seconds later, Mr O'Meara moved towards officers and was shot by an officer with a conventional firearm. Kent Police confirmed that the incident was not terror-related.
The police cordon means the A20 surrounding the site on Ashford Road remains closed whilst the EOD team completes their work. The IOPC investigation into the police shooting continues.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
