Man Shot By Armed Police

A man has been injured following an armed police operation at an incident in Dovecot, Merseyside, on Thursday morning.

At 7am police were called to a house on Shellingford Road to a report of a woman being held hostage by a man. The report stated the man was in an agitated state and was believed to be in possession of a gun and a knife and was threatening to harm the woman.

Patrols attended and an armed containment was put in place whilst officers attempted to engage with the man inside the house.

Officers facilitated entry using distraction devices and the male was subsequently shot by police. He sustained an injury to his upper body.

The man, who is 43, was taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital for treatment and his condition is described as serious but stable.

The woman, who is believed to be in her 20s, was removed safely from the property and has been taken to a police station.

Two children, aged seven and eleven, who had managed to leave the property prior to the arrival of the police are confirmed as safe and well.

A firearm and knives were recovered from the property and will be sent off for examination. The scene remains cordoned off at this time and the property is currently being searched and examined.

The incident was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, who has declared an independent investigation into the police shooting.

(CVS/CD)