A 29-year-old man who was shot by a police officer in the village of Knaphill, Surrey, last week has died. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The shooting occurred on Nursery Road, near Woking, after Surrey Police received reports of an “altercation” between two individuals in the early hours of Sunday, 11 August. One of the individuals was reported to be armed with a weapon and had retreated inside a property following the disturbance.

According to the IOPC, police body-worn footage from the scene shows the man emerging from the property and pointing what appears to be a weapon at the responding officers. In response, a firearms officer fired a single shot, striking the man. Officers immediately provided first aid, and an ambulance was requested.

The man was transported to the hospital in critical condition, where he remained until his death on Thursday, 15 August.

The IOPC confirmed that a non-police issue weapon was recovered at the scene. The agency is now investigating the police actions and decision-making, including the use of lethal force. IOPC regional director Mel Palmer stated, “This is a tragic incident during which a man sadly lost his life. We have met with the man’s family to explain our role. Our thoughts are with them and everyone affected by this incident.”

Fatal police shootings are rare in the UK, and the IOPC stressed the importance of conducting an independent investigation to establish the facts.

Surrey Police also expressed their condolences, saying, “Our thoughts are with everyone affected at this difficult time.” The force added that the two people involved in the altercation were known to each other and that there was no risk to the wider public.