Man who shot himself in front of police named as Met employee

Scene: Police were called to reports of a man with a gun in Melbourne Road, Wallington
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Laura Proto16 February 2016

A man who died after shooting himself in front of police has today been named as a Metropolitan Police employee.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said Tony Hanley, 51, from Wallington died at St George’s Hospital in Tooting after an incident on January 30.

Police were called to Mr Hanley’s home in Melbourne Road shortly before 8pm after reports of a man with a gun who was threatening to harm himself and others.

Mr Hanley, a civilian employee of the Met Police, was not at home but was found in nearby Bridge Road with a firearm.

After unsuccessfully negotiating with Mr Hanley, a Taser was discharged by officers and two baton rounds followed.

An IPCC spokesman said Mr Hanley then shot himself and he was given first aid at the scene before paramedics arrived.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died at 6.10am the following morning.

Tom Milsom, IPCC associate commissioner said: “My thoughts and sympathies are with Mr Hanley’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“The IPCC are examining the sequence of events which followed the phone call to police, the actions of the responding police officers and any background information regarding Mr Hanley’s health which may assist in understanding his behaviour.”

The IPCC were informed the night of the incident and have spoken to officers present at the scene, viewed footage from body-worn video cameras and CCTV and spoken to witnesses.

The IPCC said investigations into the source of Mr Hanley’s non-police firearm are ongoing.

A Metropolitan Police Service spokesman said the IPCC is carrying out an independent investigation.

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