Police shoot man four times after woman stabbed in Luton knife incident

Armed response officers attended the scene, with police discharging four shots and striking the man with a baton.

He was subsequently taken to hospital with life-changing injuries, the IOPC has said.

The woman involved in the incident was taken to hospital with stab wounds - her condition is not considered life-threatening.

An IOPC investigation was triggered around 2pm yesterday, with investigators sent to the scene where firearms officers gave their account of the incident.

It said a firearms countback of the ammunition - how many rounds were discharged - also took place, with the presence of an IPOC investigator.

Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown said officers "responded quickly" to the incident.

She said: "As part of this response, shots were fired by police, and one man sustained serious injuries.

"Immediate first aid was provided, and he has been taken to hospital, where he remains under police watch."

IOPC Director of Engagement, Emily Barry, said: "The use of firearms by police officers is rare but where potentially lethal force has been used, it is important that we carry out an independent investigation into the circumstances.

"We can confirm at this stage that all the officers involved are being treated as witnesses because there is no indication they may have breached police professional standards or committed a criminal offence.

"We are in the initial phase of our investigation which is looking at the actions and decisions of officers, including the discharge of police firearms and whether any use of force was reasonable, necessary and proportionate."

The IOPC confirmed the firearms used in the incident has been secured for examination, as well as CCTV of the officer’s body worn cameras.

Police are under a legal duty to refer any incident to the IOPC which resulted in the death or serious injury of a person(s) following contact with the force.