Watchdog probe after armed police shoot man amid stand-off in Inverness

The police watchdog is investigating the shooting of a man by armed officers following a stand-off in Inverness.

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) confirmed a probe had been launched after a 40-year-old man was seriously injured and taken to Raigmore Hospital.

Emergency services were called to Polvanie View at around 3pm on Thursday where a flat was on fire amid reports of concern for a person.

Images from the scene show a man wearing a respirator mask and camouflage fatigues standing below a smoking window.

Police Scotland confirmed a 40-year-old man was shot by officers, arrested in connection with the incident and taken to Raigmore for treatment to serious injuries.

A spokesperson for Pirc said: “We are investigating an incident involving a 40-year-old man in Inverness on March 31, 2022.

“Our investigation will focus on the police contact throughout the incident, with the man who is currently under arrest and receiving treatment in hospital.

“The incident was referred to us by Police Scotland and once our investigation is concluded, a report will be sent to the chief constable.”

A number of neighbouring residents were evacuated but no one was injured as a result of the fire which was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Chief superintendent Conrad Trickett said: “We want to reassure the public that this incident is contained and there is no threat to the wider public.

“There will be extra patrols in the area over the coming days and anyone with any concerns should contact police.

“We would also ask anybody with any information or footage from the incident to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information or footage is asked to contact police via 101.