South Shields shooting: Police fire on man after reports of gun-wielding suspect in residential street

A 24-year-old man has been shot by armed police in South Shields after reports an individual had been seen carrying a handgun. Northumbria Police was called to Frenchman's Way shortly after 1am on 29 March.

Armed officers attended and made contact with the man, during which time he was shot by police. The road in a highly residential area has been cordoned off as enquiries into the incident are carried out. The 24-year-old was taken to hospital with a single gunshot wound and is currently receiving treatment, police said.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which investigates all incidents where police officers have shot an individual, has sent investigators to the scene. The IPCC said: "Independent Police Complaints Commission investigators have been sent to South Shields to begin an investigation into a police shooting incident.

"Northumbria Police reported to the IPCC that a man had been shot during an incident in Frenchman's Way shortly after 1am this morning. We will issue further updates when we can."

A statement from Northumbria Police said: "At 1.02am on Tuesday, 29 March, police received a report of a man in possession of a handgun in the street in Frenchman's Way. Armed officers attended and made contact with the man, during which the man was shot by police.

"A section of Frenchman's Way has been cordoned off while enquiries into the incident are carried out. The 24-year-old man has been taken to hospital with a single gunshot wound and is currently receiving treatment.

"Enquiries are ongoing into the incident and it has been referred to the IPCC, this is a matter of course in any incident resulting in death or serious injury following police contact."