Armed officers responded shortly after 3.30 p.m. on Monday, December 19, after being alerted to a man allegedly threatening people at an address on Borland Avenue in the city’s Botcherby area. A man was found with a knife, and shortly after that, a police firearm was discharged, according to a force spokesman. Sergii Kuzmenko, 40, passed away at the scene. “At this time, it is believed that no other members of the public were injured during this incident,” said the spokesman in the immediate aftermath. As investigations began, a cordon was erected, and there was an increased police presence in Botcherby to reassure and support members of the community. Cumbria Constabulary referred the shooting to its watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which immediately launched an investigation. The IOPC said in an update two days after the incident that officers were called to an address where a man was allegedly making threats to kill and young children were present. “Officers, both armed and unarmed, entered the property. According to initial reports, “once inside, they identified a possible threat to a child and two armed officers discharged their weapons,” the statement said. The man had head and chest injuries, and a knife was recovered from the scene. The IOPC has begun reviewing evidence, including body-worn camera footage showing events inside the address, after receiving initial accounts from 11 officers. On December 20, a post-mortem examination was performed. Robert Cohen, one of Cumbria’s assistant coroners, opened an inquest into Mr Kuzmenko’s death this morning. The circumstances reported to the court in respect of Mr Kuzmenko’s death indicate that he sustained a fatal gunshot injury during the course of a police investigation,” Mr Cohen said during a three-minute hearing. It is appropriate in the circumstances for me to open an inquest into Mr Kuzmenko’s death, and I do so. “However, the court is also informed that the circumstances of Mr Kuzmenko’s death are the subject of an independent investigation by the IOPC. In the circumstances, I believe it is appropriate to temporarily halt the coroner’s investigation into Mr Kuzmenko’s death, pending further inquiries and information from the IOPC.” Mr Cohen also admitted into evidence a statement from North Cumbria CID Detective Chief Inspector Patrick McDonnell. “Detective Chief Inspector McDonnell explains that he has viewed a series of photographs taken of the deceased and has cross-referenced those with photographs taken during Sergii Kuzmenko’s life,” Mr Cohen noted. “Detective Chief Inspector McDonnell confirms his understanding and belief that the deceased was Sergii Kuzmenko.” In the absence of new information, Mr Cohen formally suspended the coroner’s investigation. “This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with all those affected,” IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said after the incident. While police shootings are thankfully uncommon, it is understandable that people are alarmed by recent events. “This was an isolated incident and our independent investigation will be thorough to ensure we understand the circumstances that have led to a man losing his life. We met with the man’s family to explain our role, and we will keep them updated as the investigation progresses.