IOPC releases findings of investigation into fatal Met police shooting in Dagenham

An Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation into the fatal Met police shooting of Giedrius Vasiljevas found no evidence to indicate that the lethal force used may not have been necessary, proportionate and reasonable.

Our findings can now be published following the conclusion of an inquest in Mr Vasiljevas’ death, at East London Coroner’s Court. A jury concluded that Mr Vasiljevas was lawfully killed, with the cause of death determined as a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

On the evening of 23 November 2023, Mr Vasiljevas – a 40-year-old Lithuanian national – rang police from his address in Dagenham saying he had two loaded guns and wanted to harm himself. During the call he said he wanted to be shot by police and also described the guns as an air rifle and a bolt gun.

A firearms incident was declared shortly before 8pm and armed officers were sent to the address. Officers spoke to Mr Vasiljevas and attempted to negotiate with him to come out.

At about 8.55pm, Mr Vasiljevas opened the front door and was standing in the doorway. Firearms officers told him to walk outside, showing his hands. Mr Vasiljevas went back into the address briefly before coming out a second time. He was shot seconds later by an officer who fired two shots. One of these struck Mr Vasiljevas who sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Officers provided first aid, however he sadly was pronounced dead at the scene at around 9.30pm.

All officers were treated as witnesses in our investigation and cooperated fully.

During our investigation, the officer who fired the shots stated that they saw Mr Vasiljevas point a gun directly at them and another officer when he came out of the address a second time, which made the officer fear for their lives.

In the dark environment, the police bodyworn footage does not clearly show Mr Vasiljevas point a firearm at officers but it does show that he came to the door with what appeared to be a black handgun. This could be seen on the ground when officers approached him after the shots were fired. Accounts from other officers also stated that they could see Mr Vasiljevas’ arm raise in the direction of the officer who shot him.

The evidence obtained in our investigation supported the firearm officer’s account that he honestly and reasonably believed both his and his colleagues lives were in imminent danger and that the immediate use of lethal force was absolutely necessary in the circumstances. We found no indication that the officer behaved in a manner that would justify bringing disciplinary proceedings.

After hearing the evidence at inquest, a jury concluded that Mr Vasiljevas was holding a gun in his hand and raised his arm in the direction of the officer when he was then shot.

IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Vasiljevas’ family and friends, and everyone impacted by this tragic incident.

“Fatal police shootings are fortunately rare, however when they occur it’s important that an independent investigation is carried out into the circumstances, including the decision to use lethal force.

“The officers were faced with a challenging situation dealing with a person who had stated they wanted to be shot by police. We found that officers spent considerable time trying to speak with Mr Vasiljevas to build rapport, provide reassurance, and understand the risk he presented to himself to inform a tactical plan to attempt to bring the incident to a safe resolution, which tragically they were unable to do.

“The officer made the decision to shoot Mr Vasiljevas as they believed that Mr Vasiljevas was going to shoot them and that their and their colleague’s lives were in imminent danger.”

We concluded our investigation in November 2024. As part of our investigation, we attended the scene and assisted with the search of the address and the surrounding area. A house to house and CCTV trawl were also conducted.

We obtained and reviewed police body worn video, radio airwaves and a 999 call recording. Twelve officers were identified as key police witnesses and provided statements. Two suspected firearms found at the Mr Vasiljevas home were analysed and found to be air weapons. Mr Vasiljevas’ mobile phone was also examined. We also obtained a report from a firearms expert at the College of Police regarding the training of firearms officers.