‘Hardworking’ married father, 40, killed by police as he threatened to take his own life died of a gunshot wound to his abdomen, post-mortem finds
- Giedrius Vasiljevas was shot dead by the Met Police in Dagenham in November
- For help, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org[1]
Published: 17:41, 12 December 2023 | Updated: 17:42, 12 December 2023
A postmortem has confirmed a man killed during a police shooting in east London[3] died of a single gunshot wound to his abdomen.
Lithuanian national Giedrius Vasiljevas, 40, was shot by a Metropolitan Police[4] officer during an incident at an address in Weston Green, Dagenham, on November 23.
He had phoned 999 and reportedly told the operator that he wanted to take his own life and that he had loaded guns, according to a police statement.
Officers rushed to his home using a specialist negotiator to try to ‘bring the incident to a safe conclusion’.
But Mr Vasiljevas – who according to his family had a history of mental health problems – is understood to have confronted officers on his doorstep before shots were fired
Giedrius Vasiljevas, right, was shot dead by police in Dagenham, east London, on November 23
Mr Vasiljevas reportedly called police warning them he wanted to take his own life with a loaded gun
Mr Vasiljevas’ devastated wife, Sigita Vasiljeva, paid tribute to him his death, saying: ‘He was a hardworking family man and a good father, but he needed psychological treatment and he couldn’t find the help he needed’
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating the incident, revealed that a postmortem has been carried out.
The watchdog said it had met Mr Vasiljevas’ family ahead of his inquest which is due to open on Wednesday at East London Coroner’s Court.
IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin said: ‘This was a tragic incident and we recognise the devastating impact this has had on Mr Vasiljevas’ family and friends, and all of those affected.
‘Fatal police shootings are rare but when they happen it’s important that there is an independent investigation to establish all of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
‘We recently met with Mr Vasiljevas’ family to extend our condolences and explain our role.
We appreciate that his family and friends and the wider community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts.
‘We will, of course, continue to keep Mr Vasiljevas’ family fully informed on progress.’
The Met Police previously said officers attended the address in Weston Green after they were contacted by a man, now named as Mr Vasiljevas, who said he would take his own life and claimed he had loaded firearms.
Police attempted to engage with him before two shots were fired by an officer just before 9pm, the IOPC said.
Despite the efforts of police and paramedics, Mr Vasiljevas was pronounced dead at 9.30pm.
- For help, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
References
- ^ samaritans.org (samaritans.org)
- ^ Stewart Carr (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ London (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Metropolitan Police (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ ‘Suicidal’ man shot dead by police (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ London (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Met Police (www.dailymail.co.uk)