Man dies after being shot by armed police in Derby

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A knifeman has been shot dead by armed officers in a police station car park.

Armed officers responded to reports of a man with a knife in the secure car park of Ascot Drive police station in Derby on Friday morning.

In a statement, Derbyshire constabulary said a police firearm was discharged at 10.03am and the man, whose identity is unknown, was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The force said officers gave first aid to the man at the scene until paramedics arrived and witnesses saw an air ambulance land near the scene.

Police said no police, staff or other members of the public were injured.

The case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Police said a cordon was in place and Ascot Drive was closed while inquiries continue.

A number of local businesses inside the cordon had decided to close, but there have been no evacuations of any businesses or homes, the force said in a statement.

The police base on Ascot Drive opened in April, in a new building next door to Derbyshire fire and rescue service.

One witness told Derbyshire Live he heard an officer shout “drop the knife” before he heard three gunshots.

“There was a load of police officers running over to the corner. There was loads of shattered glass and car windows smashed,” said James Douglas, 24, who works on an industrial estate next to the station.

“I could see the aftermath of what happened. I’ve been going back and forth all day to try and wrap my head around it. If some knife-wielding maniac can run into the police station, how safe are we as a society?”

Derby North MP Amanda Solloway said: “Like most people living in Derby, I am greatly disturbed by the worrying news emerging about an incident in Ascot Drive earlier today.

“I have spoken to Derbyshire police’s chief superintendent David Cox who has reassured me that the situation is under control and that police are working hard to ensure residents of Derby feel safe.”

She said it was “believed to be an isolated incident and there have been no formal evacuations in the area”.