…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
A woman and a man were both seriously injured in an incident that occurred in Priory Road, Dartford on Saturday afternoon.
Witnesses reported that the woman had been held hostage at the back of the property.
Armed police were called to the scene and attempted to engage with a man inside the address.
The police entered the house with a trained negotiator and after an hour-long standoff, pandemonium broke out and neighbours heard what sounded like two rounds of gunshots.
The woman and the man were both taken to a London hospital with serious injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
Police cordoned off the road and ordered people to stay inside their homes.
After the police broke through the front door, forensics teams could be seen entering the property late on Saturday evening.
The house remained cordoned off and patrols remained in the area as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the injuries continued.
One woman who witnessed the event said that the scene was chilling.
She was told to stay indoors and went to the garden where she could see more.
About an hour after the police entered the property, she heard what she described as five gunshots followed by a pause and then another five.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been approached for comment.
The force has made a mandatory referral to the IOPC due to the presence of the police at the scene at the time of the injuries.
The spokesperson for Kent Police stated that no police weapons were discharged.
The incident raises questions about the use of firearms by the police, and the protocols for negotiating with armed individuals.
It also highlights the importance of police transparency and accountability, as the IOPC investigates the circumstances of the event.
The community’s trauma and fear surrounding the incident is evident in the witness accounts.
The long-term effects of such incidents on individuals and communities, and the need for effective support services, must also be considered.