Police contact with a man before he shot himself - Hampshire Constabulary, August 2017

On 25 August 2017 Hampshire Constabulary went to a man’s home in Southampton after they received a call reporting concern for his welfare.

When they arrived, officers saw the man briefly before he shut the door and retreated inside. Information received by officers indicated the man had access to a shotgun at his home. After a prolonged police presence outside involving the use of negotiators, authorised firearms officers forced entry to the property.

The officers searched the property and the man was found dead in the doorway to the master bedroom with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A shotgun was recovered from the scene.

Our investigators attended the scene and conducted a detailed examination. Over 40 witness statements were obtained from police officers, fire officers, members of the public and others. We analysed and compared footage from police officers’ body-worn video and voice recordings, along with policy and training documents.

In our opinion, based on the evidence available, Hampshire Constabulary deployed officers appropriately to this incident, considered all tactical options, rationalised their decisions appropriately, and adhered to all national and local policies and procedures.

The investigation concluded there was no indication any police officer may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence.