A man in his 30s suffered life-changing injuries after being shot by police as a bomb squad and counter-terror officers swarmed a village pub in Kent.
Witnesses said a 100-metre cordon was put in place near the Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne, which is about a mile from Leeds Castle.
A major police operation swung into action on Ashford Road on Monday.
Kent Police said it attended an address in Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, to make an arrest over an outstanding warrant at approximately 7.15pm.
A force spokesman added: “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.
“This was not related to any terrorism offences.”
According to reports, it involved the British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, counter-terrorism officers and the National Crime Agency.
Forensics teams and armoured police vehicles were all spotted scouring the area on Tuesday morning.
A section of the A20 remains closed in both directions following the serious incident.
Kent Police were approached for comment
But the Independent Office for Police Conduct 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, 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.”
Kent County Council said on X, formerly Twitter: “A20 Ashford Road is closed in both directions between Penfold Hill and Chegworth Road for a Kent Police-led incident.
“Expect delays in the surrounding areas. Allow extra time for your journey.”
Lisa Smith, also 43, from Slough, was shot dead outside The Three Horseshoes pub in Kent on Valentine’s Day some 30 miles away on February 14.
Police found her husband Edward Smith, who also used the surname Stockings, in the River Thames in Rainham, Essex, on March 7.
His car was found abandoned near the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at Dartford in the hours after the shooting, and investigators believe he entered the water there.
A full inquest into Mrs Smith’s death will be held in September.
