Police force to investigate itself over firing of gun during incident in residential street

Dyfed-Powys Police had referred itself to the independent police watchdog following an incident involving a firearm in Milford Haven over the weekend

A Welsh police force will carry out an internal investigation despite referring itself to the police watchdog after an officer fired a gun in a residential street in Pembrokeshire, it has been confirmed.

The officer – from Dyfed-Powys Police – discharged a shot from a firearm while at the scene of an incident in Bunkers Hill, Milford Haven on Saturday evening, March 28. Police were in attendance after receiving reports of disorder in the area, and one person was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill.

Police confirmed that “while at the scene an officer discharged a single shot from a firearm at 6.32pm”. They added: “The firearm was not directed towards an individual and no injuries were sustained by anyone present.”

Dyfed-Powys Police voluntarily referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

The IOPC confirmed that it was notified by the force about the incident and that it would assess whether further action was required.

On Wednesday, April 1, it was confirmed that Dyfed-Powys Police would itself carry out an investigation into the firing of the weapon, rather than it be investigated externally.

A spokesman for the IOPC said: “We received a referral from Dyfed-Powys Police in connection with this matter on Sunday (March 29).

“After assessing the information provided by the force, we have decided that an investigation is required and that it is appropriate for that to be carried out locally by Dyfed-Powys Police.”

According to the IOPC it is common for police forces in England and Wales to investigate complaints internally, even if those complaints are formally referred to the police watchdog.

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