01/12/2008

Investigation Launched Into Cathedral Police Shooting

An investigation has been launched by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, after armed police officers shot dead a man close to Guildford Cathedral in Surrey.

David Sycamore, 39, from Guildford, was shot dead around 3pm on Sunday, after police was called to the scene, following reports of an armed man in the area.

According to the IPCC, the officers fired at Mr Sycamore after he was found on the steps of the cathedral.

Forensic officers are still at the scene. A weapon, which was found at the scene, has been sent for ballistics testing.

A post-mortem was due to be carried out at Surrey hospital this afternoon.

Earlier, the IPCC released a statement which said: "The IPCC investigators already deployed to the scene are in Guildford and will provide an assessment for IPCC Commissioner Rebecca Marsh, following a referral of the shooting by Surrey Police.

"The police had deployed armed officers following reports of an armed man."

The report also said that the investigation would be "thorough, proportionate and timely".

An Advent carol service, which was due to be held at the Cathedral on Sunday evening, had to be cancelled as a result of the shooting.

It is understood that no Cathedral staff were involved in the incident.

The Cathedral remains closed, but is due to reopen to staff and the public on Tuesday.

(KMcA)


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