A MAN was taken to hospital after being shot and injured by police officers in Eastville.
Avon & Somerset Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the incident, which happened on Fishponds Road on October 22 at about 5.30pm.
The force said the armed officers were responding to a 999 call from a member of the public who believed they had seen a firearm at a house near the junction with Berkeley Street, between Muller Road and Stapleton Road.
A police spokesperson said: “Police firearms were discharged by armed police officers, and a man remains in a stable condition in hospital for treatment to injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
“The officers were responding to a report from a member of the public who saw what they believed to be a firearm at an address in Fishponds Road, Eastville.
“Negotiators had not yet arrived when police firearms were discharged.
“A man in his 40s was immediately treated at the scene by paramedics, and was conscious and breathing when taken to hospital.
“No officers were injured and we do not believe there is any wider risk to the public.
“No arrests have been made.”
As the Voice went to print police had not traced the injured man’s next of kin.
They had not said whether a firearm was found at the address.
A cordon was placed around the house and across the entrance to Berkeley Street while a forensic investigation was carried out.
Supt Matt Ebbs said: “”The role of our firearms officers is incredibly challenging, and they are rigorously trained, tested and held to the highest standards.
“They are deployed when a significant risk to the public or to officers’ safety has been identified. “This type of incident, while very rare, is distressing.”