By ARTHUR PARASHAR, SENIOR REPORTER

Published: 08:06 GMT, 29 December 2025 | Updated: 11:02 GMT, 29 December 2025

Armed police have shot and killed a suspected gunman following a crash in Norfolk.

Officers were called to London Road, Thetford, at around 8.25pm on Sunday after receiving reports of a two-vehicle collision, Norfolk Police said.

Police said one man, believed to be the driver of one of the vehicles, left the scene holding what was described as a handgun.

Armed response officers swooped on the scene and the suspect was later shot by police a short distance away. He died at the scene.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The A11 remains closed in both directions from the Thetford Ranges roundabout to the Brandon Road roundabout.

Assistant Chief Constable David Buckley said: 'We understand this incident will cause concern in the community.

Officers were called to London Road (pictured) at around 8.25pm on Sunday after receiving reports of a two-vehicle collision

Police said one man, believed to be the driver of one of the vehicles, left the scene holding what was described as a handgun. He was shot and died at the scene

An aerial image shows the scene of the A11 dual carriageway near Thetford, where a suspected gunman was shot dead by police after a crash

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)

'Our highly trained armed officers deploy to hundreds of firearms related calls each year, but incidents where police discharge firearms are thankfully incredibly rare. 

'A full and independent investigation is already underway.

'We are of course cooperating fully with the IOPC investigation and will be handing over all bodyworn footage and 999 calls to ensure transparency.

'We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.'