Man 'carrying two knives' shot dead by police in central London
The man was "acting suspiciously" and produced two knives when challenged by officers, police say.
Monday 9 March 2020 07:00, UK
A man has been shot dead by police in Westminster, central London, after brandishing two knives at officers.
The incident is not being treated as terror related, the Met Police said.
The force said officers were patrolling the area at about 11.30pm on Sunday when they noticed the man "acting suspiciously".
When challenged, the man produced two knives, police said.
Armed officers responded by firing a Taser and a gun at the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
No officers or members of the public were injured during the incident.
The Met Police tweeted: "A man has been shot dead by officers following an incident in #Westminster at 23.27hrs on Sunday, 8 March.
"This is NOT being treated as a terrorist incident."
Road closures remain in place while police continue their investigations.
The Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have been informed.
The IOPC said its "thoughts and sympathies" were with those affected and that investigators were on the way to the scene.
"It is mandatory for us to conduct an independent investigation when the police fatally shoot a member of the public," it said.
"We have established protocols with the police to ensure our investigations do not hinder their ability to conduct enquiries as part of their related investigations."