Villagers' terror at fatal shooting

Mar 4 2012

Residents of a countryside village were left terrified after a man was shot dead by armed police officers on Saturday night.

The man was shot in Culcheth, Cheshire, after the car he was in was stopped by officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Cheshire Police said.

Two men were arrested at the scene and are in police custody and the incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Residents spoke of their terror as the incident unfolded near Jackson Avenue, Culcheth, at around 7.20pm on Saturday.

Anthony Brown described his fear over "mad men running around with guns". He told Sky News his daughter Jess arrived home "hysterical", adding: "She was crying her eyes out, barging through the door."

The police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), has launched an investigation into the incident.

A spokeswoman said: "The IPCC has been informed by Cheshire Constabulary of an incident near Jackson Avenue, Culcheth, Cheshire at approximately 7.20pm on Saturday, March 3 where a man was fatally shot by armed officers from Greater Manchester Police.

"The incident has been referred to the IPCC who will independently investigate. IPCC investigators are at the scene and working with officers from both Greater Manchester Police and Cheshire Constabulary."

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "At around 7.20pm on Saturday March 3, an incident took place near Jackson Avenue in Culcheth, Cheshire, whereby a car was stopped by armed officers from Greater Manchester Police. During the contact, a male occupant of the car was shot and sustained fatal injuries. Two men were arrested at the scene and remain in custody. The deceased's next of kin have been informed.

"Cheshire Constabulary and Greater Manchester Police are now investigating the full circumstances of the incident and the Independent Police Complaints Commission have been informed. Cheshire police patrols have been increased in the area and the community of Culcheth should be reassured that this is an isolated incident and there is no risk to the community as a whole."