Tributes paid as man shot dead by police in Rodbourne

The 57-year-old was shot dead by armed officers called to reports of two men arguing in Summers Street in the early hours, police said. Watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation, as is required procedure in the wake of shootings involving armed officers.

What appeared to be an rifle-style pellet gun was recovered from the street by police forensics officers earlier this morning.

Tributes

One of the man’s neighbours, a 66-year-old man who did not want to give his name, told the Adver the man had been the first to help others out.

“Anything you needed or wanted he’d have helped you out,” he said – adding that his friend, a father-of-two, had been a talented mechanic.

The victim of the shooting is yet to be named by the authorities.

READ MORE: Man shot dead in by police in Rodbourne, probe launched

READ MORE: First pictures from the scene after man shot by police officers

Summers Street remains shut, with PCSOs guarding cordons at the end each end of the road.

However, homeowners on nearby Montagu Street spoke of their shock at the police presence.

A woman, 39, said: “Obviously, it makes you uneasy because you’ve got no idea. The police have already said there is no need for the public to worry.”

READ MORE: Rodbourne community in shock after shooting

READ MORE: No arrests made in connection with shooting

READ MORE: South Swindon MP reacts to incident

A 62-year-old man, whose house looked on to one of the cordons, said: “It makes you wonder what’s going on round here, but isn’t that the state of the world at the moment?”

A woman, 64, added: “It’s a bit of a shock, but it’s nice to see they’re on the case.”

Forensics officers at the scene of the shooting in Summers Street Picture: ADVER