A man has died after being shot by police in Thetford, prompting a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Norfolk Constabulary said officers were called to London Road at around 8.25pm on Sunday, December 28, 2025, following reports of a two-vehicle collision.

One man, believed to have been the driver of one of the vehicles involved, left the scene carrying what was described as a handgun.

Armed response officers attended the area and the man was subsequently shot by police a short distance away. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

As part of standard procedure, Norfolk Constabulary has referred the matter to the IOPC, which has begun an independent investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable David Buckley said: “We understand this incident will cause concern in the community.
“Our highly trained armed officers deploy to hundreds of firearms-related calls each year, but incidents where police discharge firearms are thankfully incredibly rare. A full and independent investigation is already underway. “We are of course cooperating fully with the IOPC investigation and will be handing over all body-worn footage and 999 calls to ensure transparency.
“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”

The A11 remains closed in both directions between the Thetford Ranges roundabout and the Brandon Road roundabout while enquiries continue.