24/01/2011

Man Shoots Himself In Police Stand-Off

According to police, a suspected gunman, who is believed to have shot himself in a Luton park is alive.

Officers entered into a 16-hour stand-off with the man since he was discovered with a firearm at 8.30pm on Sunday night.

Police have been negotiating with the man in Leagrave Common.

The man was traced by armed response officers to the park after a 999 call reported a man in Wauluds Bank Drive with a gun.

Witnesses reported that the man was in possession of a sawn-off shotgun, and believed to have heard a shot around midday. It was then reported that the man was seen lying on the floor.

A police spokeswoman has confirmed the man is being treated at the scene after firing the gun, but claims an officer may have discharged a weapon too.

An eyewitness said: "There was a gunshot. The man is now lying on the ground. He is surrounded by armed police and paramedics.”

The police spokeswoman said the Independent Police Complaints Commission will be informed of the shooting in due course.

Between 15 and 20 officers, including armed officers and specialist negotiators, worked through the night at the stand-off.

(BMcN/GK)

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