Overview

• Kent Police officers attended a Hollingbourne home on July 7 to execute an arrest warrant, escalating from baton rounds to a firearms discharge when the suspect ignored commands.
• Officers believed the man was wielding a chainsaw, wearing a gas mask and body armour, and carrying what appeared to be an improvised explosive device.
• The 36-year-old suspect, named by family as Sean O’Meara, was seriously injured and is receiving life-changing treatment in hospital.
• A 100-metre police cordon and full closure of the A20 were put in place, and bomb disposal teams returned after discovering four suspicious devices at the scene.
• An independent investigation into the shooting has been launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and remains in its early stages.