Man shot by police during hostage rescue operation
Police say a man is in a stable condition after being shot during an armed operation to storm a house in Liverpool. The operation followed reports that a woman was being held hostage at knife-point.
Officers were called to a residential home at 7am after a report that a woman was being held hostage by a man who was thought to have a gun and a knife.
Armed response officers were sent to the scene in Dovecot, Merseyside to communicate with the man, who was reported to be in an “agitated state” and had threatened to harm the woman. Two children had fled the house earlier.
Merseyside Police said officers eventually entered the house and the man was then shot in the upper body.
Neighbours at Shellingford Road said they heard a number of gunshots as police entered the house before a person was taken out of the address on a stretcher.
One eyewitness told BBC Radio Merseyside: “I seen (sic) the man at the window. He was holding a knife to his wife’s throat and they were trying to calm him down, negotiate with him – he was shaking his head at them.
Two children, aged seven and 11, who had managed to leave the property prior to the arrival of the police are confirmed as safe and well Police
“The woman came out and the police got her out and the police moved in with the guns. I heard shots fired – about 10. There was more after that. It looked like he ran away from them. It went quiet and then I heard more shots fired.”
The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which confirmed its investigators were at the scene.
A police spokesman said: “A decision was made to enter the property and 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 conveyed 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 11, 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 for examination, police added. The scene has been cordoned off and the property is being searched and examined.
Police said no officer was injured in the operation after earlier reports suggested one needed medical treatment after being hurt.