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A man suspected of carrying a handgun has died after being shot by police following a two-car crash in Thetford, according to Norfolk Police.
Officers were called to London Road at around 8.25pm on Sunday after reports of a collision involving two vehicles. Police said a man, believed to have been driving one of the vehicles, fled the scene while holding what was described as a handgun.
Armed officers were deployed and later confronted the man a short distance from the crash site, where he was shot by police. Despite treatment from emergency services, he was declared dead at the scene.
Norfolk Police said inquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident, which has been formally referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The A11 has been closed in both directions between the Thetford Ranges and Brandon Road roundabouts.
Assistant Chief Constable David Buckley said the incident was likely to alarm local residents, but stressed that police firearms discharges are extremely uncommon. He said officers respond to hundreds of firearms-related incidents each year and confirmed that a full, independent investigation is under way.
He added that the force is fully cooperating with the IOPC and will provide all relevant body-worn video and emergency call recordings to ensure transparency. Police have also confirmed they are not seeking any other individuals in connection with the incident.
