Skip to content

Man shot and seriously injured by Kent Police

Nathan Bevan
BBC News, South East
Phil Harrison
BBC News, Hollingbourne
UKNIP Aerial shot of police officers and vehicle in car park of a pubUKNIP
An explosive ordnance disposal team has also been at the scene

A man was left seriously injured when he was shot by police in Kent.

The incident happened on Monday after officers were called to an address in Hollingbourne, near The Park Gate Inn, to conduct an arrest at approximately 19.15 BST.

The man, believed to be in his 30s, was taken to hospital with what are thought to be life-changing injuries.

Kent Police said that "while at the scene, a firearm was discharged" by one of its officers and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it is investigating.

UKNIP Two police cars block off a road, while a blue sign reads 'Police accident' UKNIP
Officers were called to an incident close to The Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne on Monday evening

With its doors still shut and beer garden empty, The Park Gate Inn posted on social media to "reassure everyone that nothing happened in the pub itself", rather at a house nearby.

It added that its "team are safe and well" and it will reopen as soon as "the authorities complete their work in the area".

The A20 single carriageway road outside the pub remains closed for about half a mile heading towards the Leeds Castle roundabout.

Police cordons are in place and officers, both uniformed and plain clothed, are on hand to prevent access as traffic continues to be diverted along the B2163.

While "not related to any terrorism offences", Kent Police said an explosive ordnance disposal team has been on hand "to make the area safe".

Additional units, including firearms patrols, were also present.

Phil Harrison/BBC Two bollards block off a road, while a blue sign reads 'Police Road Closed' in white letters. A police van is parked in the distance. Phil Harrison/BBC
Police cordons remain in place on the nearby A20 single carriageway

An IOPC spokesperson said: "We have begun an independent investigation after a man was shot and seriously injured by Kent Police, who were responding to an incident on Monday, 7 July.

"We were notified by the force after the incident in Hollingbourne, which occurred shortly before 9pm, and declared an independent investigation a short time later," they said.

"The man is receiving treatment in hospital for his injuries which are thought to be life changing.

"We have sent investigators to the scene. Our investigation is in the very early stages."

A Kent Police spokesperson added that the force was "supporting" the IOPC's inquiry.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

Related internet links