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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Stanley Murphy-Johns

Man in hospital with serious injuries after being shot by police near rural pub

A man has been taken to hospital after being shot by armed police near a rural village pub in Kent.

The shooting happened at around 9pm on Monday opposite The Park Gate Inn, in Hollingbourne near Maidstone.

Bomb disposal were also at the scene and reportedly “made the area safe” following the incident.

Kent Police said officers arrived at 7.15pm to carry out an arrest for an outstanding warrant.

They said that the incident was not terror-related.

The man, who is in his 30s, remains in hospital having suffered what are thought to be “life-changing” injuries.

An investigation by the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has been launched and is in its “very early stages”.

The IOPC released a statement saying: ““We have begun an independent investigation after a man was shot and seriously injured by Kent Police, who were responding to an incident on Monday July 7.

“We were notified by the force after the incident in Hollingbourne, which occurred shortly before 9pm, and declared an independent investigation a short time later.

“The man is receiving treatment in hospital for his injuries which are thought to be life-changing.

“We have sent investigators to the scene and the police post-incident procedure to begin gathering evidence.

“Our investigation is in the very early stages.”

Police were at the scene to carry out an arrest for an outstanding warrant (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)

The A20 Ashford Road, near Leeds Castle, was shut by officers at around 8.45pm on Monday.

Kent Police said: “Kent Police attended an address in Hollingbourne, Maidstone to conduct an arrest at approximately 7.15pm on Monday July 7 2025.

“While at the scene, a firearm was discharged by a police officer.

“A man sustained injuries believed to be life-changing and was taken to a London hospital where he remains receiving treatment.

“Shortly afterwards the IOPC declared an independent investigation, which Kent Police is supporting.”

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