A Derry man was shot and critically injured by police during a “confrontation” after officers were called to his home, Police Ombudsman investigators have said.
The man, who is in his 40s, remains in hospital after he was shot in the chest while a policeman who suffered stab wounds to his arm and head was treated in hospital and later released. The Police Ombudsman said officers went to the flat where the man lived alone after receiving a call for assistance.
A spokesman said: “There was then a confrontation during which one police officer sustained stab wounds and police discharged CS spray and a single gunshot.”
A PSNI spokesman said police were responding to a “report of concern for safety for a man” when the incident occurred shortly before 11pm on Saturday.
Following the incident at the victim’s flat at Celandine Court in the Gobnascale area of the city’s Waterside, Sinn Féin assembly member, Martina Anderson described the man as “vulnerable”.
Ms Anderson said: “I have contacted senior police and the Police Ombudsman to convey my grave concerns that lethal force has been used in this incident. The PSNI needs to provide the public with a full explanation about this shooting of a vulnerable man.”
The shooting has prompted calls from the Police Federation for Northern Ireland for a greater “roll out” of Tasers for PSNI officers. Federation chairman, Mark Lindsay described the shooting as a “horrific incident” for all concerned.
“We wish our officer a full and speedy recovery and assure him we will do all we can on his behalf during the Police Ombudsman’s investigation.”
Mr Lindsay said the incident was proof of the need for more widespread roll-out of “less lethal Taser” to deal with potentially life-threatening incidents.
“Taser protects lives and prevents injuries and rather than viewing it as a further erosion of civil liberties, it should be seen as a preferable option to the use of firearm. Taser is an effective device when dealing with difficult and challenging incidents,” he said.
Mr Lindsay said Tasers wee a “sensible and safe deterrent” which also gave officers protection in volatile situations.
SDLP leader and Derry MP, Colum Eastwood said the incident was deeply worrying.
"There needs to be a thorough investigation into this by the Police Ombudsman. I would encourage everyone involved to cooperate with the Ombudsman's office as they investigate these trouble circumstances," Mr Eastwood said.
Sinn Féin councillor, Christopher Jackson said people were angry that a local man had been shot. Mr Jackson said the Police Ombudsman should move quickly to provide clarity for the community over the police response.
“We need answers to the many questions raised by this incident,” Mr Jackson said.
