The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating a fatal shooting in Rotherhithe, London, where police officers confronted Bryce Hodgson, an armed stalker, resulting in his death.
An investigation is underway by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following a fatal shooting involving police officers and Bryce Hodgson, a convicted stalker, in Rotherhithe, Southwark, London, on January 30. Hodgson, who had a history of stalking, was armed with three crossbows, a hatchet, a knife, and a sword when he attempted to break into a property. Residents of the property had barricaded themselves in a bedroom for safety.
During the confrontation, Hodgson swung a sword and pointed a crossbow at the responding officers. After failing to comply with the officers’ commands to show his hands, Hodgson was shot twice by an officer – once in the neck and once in the chest – leading to his death at the scene.
The IOPC’s investigation into this incident includes analysis of evidence from body-worn cameras, witness statements, and radio communications, with the officers involved being treated as witnesses. The IOPC aims to conclude the investigation by the summer, with Regional Director Mel Palmer expressing condolences to Hodgson’s family and highlighting the challenging circumstances under which the officers acted to prevent harm to the residents.
The case underscores the difficulties faced by law enforcement when responding to dangerous situations involving armed individuals.