A man has been hospitalised after being shot by armed police outside a rural village pub in Kent.
The incident occurred at the Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne on Monday evening at around 9pm.
An investigation has been launched, with the man rushed to a London hospital with life-changing injuries.
In a statement, Kent Police said their officers had attended the pub to conduct an arrest for an outstanding warrant at 7.15pm.
The force said: “Following initial attendance, officers were further supported by additional units including firearms patrols.
“During the incident a man in his 30s was shot by officers and was subsequently taken to hospital where he remains.
“Officers remain at the scene and have been supported by an EOD team who made the area safe.”
The incident is not linked to any terrorism offences and a mandatory referral has been made to the police watchdog.
Forensic officers were seen gathering evidence overnight, while members of the public were advised to avoid the area with the A20 closed in both directions.
A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Telegraph that they saw “armed officers shouting commands before a loud bang”.
An IOPC spokesman said: “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 7 July.
“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.”
