A man believed to be carrying a handgun has been shot and killed by police following a two-vehicle collision in Thetford, Norfolk. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, prompted a significant police response and has led to a major investigation.

Norfolk police were called to London Road at approximately 8:25 PM on Sunday after receiving reports of a two-vehicle collision. According to official statements, one man, believed to be the driver of one of the vehicles involved, was observed leaving the scene while holding what was described as a handgun. Highly trained armed response officers were deployed to the location to manage the situation.

The suspect was subsequently shot by police a short distance from the collision site. Despite the immediate and best efforts of emergency services personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene. This tragic outcome has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the full circumstances of the incident.

An investigation is now officially underway to establish all details surrounding the event. As is standard procedure in such cases, the incident has been formally referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for an independent oversight and review. Consequently, the A11 dual carriageway remains closed in both directions, specifically from the Thetford Ranges roundabout to the Brandon Road roundabout, to facilitate the ongoing police work.

Assistant Chief Constable David Buckley addressed the public, acknowledging that the incident would undoubtedly cause concern within the community. He emphasized that while armed officers are routinely deployed to hundreds of firearms-related calls each year, instances where police discharge their firearms are