A 48-year-old man is in hospital under police custody
17:23, 01 May 2025Updated 17:27, 01 May 2025
The scene at Merlin Park.(Image: SWNS)
A man who was shot by police has been arrested after armed officers responded to a welfare concern yesterday (Wednesday, April 30).
At around 3.45pm, officers were dispatched to Merlin Park, Portishead, to check on the welfare of a man.
Armed officers were deployed after a firearm was mentioned to call handlers.
Negotiators were also dispatched to attempt to engage with a man inside a property.
Avon and Somerset Police said two police firearms were discharged and a man received first aid for a wound to his hand.
He was taken to hospital for further treatment for the injury which is not believed to be life-threatening.
The 48-year-old man was arrested and remains in police custody in hospital.
He was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence.
No officers were injured in the incident and all parties involved are being offered or are in receipt of support.
The police force have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the man being injured.
Head of Operations, whose portfolio includes the Firearms Unit, Supt Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “We understand an incident of this nature may be alarming to the local community, but I must stress that matters of this nature are incredibly rare and we do not believe there is any wider risk to the public.
“Our firearms officers receive extensive training and are held to the highest standards through regularly retesting and mandated refresher training.
“The discharge of a police firearm is considered a last resort and is only actioned in cases where there is a significant threat to officers, themselves or members of the public.
“They do an incredibly difficult job, which not many can do, and I commend those who take on this responsibility voluntarily and have to make these challenging decisions in high-pressure situations in a matter of moments.
“They immediately entered the property, alongside paramedics, and administered first aid to the injured man before he was taken to hospital.”
“Specialist search teams conducted a search of the property and found additional suspected firearms.
“We would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while these enquiries continue.
“Local residents can expect to see an increased high-visibility police presence over the coming days and we urge anyone with any concerns to engage with our officers on patrol.
“As with all cases of this nature, we have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as a result of the man being injured following police contact.”
Local police remain at Merlin Park today conducting further searches and to provide reassurance to the public.