Inquest concludes Met firearms officer lawfully killed a man who pointed a gun at police

An inquest has today concluded that a Met firearms officer lawfully killed a man who pointed a gun at police in Dagenham.

Giedrius Vasiljevas died in November 2023 after calling police and saying he had two loaded guns and wanted to take his own life.

Officers spent considerable time trying to speak to Mr Vasiljevas to reassure and help him in the hope the incident could be concluded safely with no injury to anyone. Sadly, they were unable to do so as the situation developed and Mr Vasiljevas left his property with a weapon.

Commander Charmain Brenyah, Met Operations, said: “We are aware of the conclusion of today’s inquest and our thoughts are with Mr Vasiljevas’ family and friends at this difficult time.

"Our armed officers bravely respond to more than 4,000 incidents each year, but there are only one or two incidents where shots are fired. These officers are the most professional, accountable and cautious in their use of lethal force in the world and their operations have prevented countless acts of violence across our city.”

The inquest heard officers responded on Thursday, 23 November 2023 just before 20:00hrs to a 999 call from Mr Vasiljevas, aged 40. He referenced the guns and said he wanted to take his own life.

Officers kept him engaged on the phone trying to persuade him to leave the property unarmed to seek medical attention.

Armed officers attended the address in Weston Green, Dagenham at 20:20hrs to continue to engage with Mr Vasiljevas.

Shortly before 21:00hrs, Mr Vasiljevas left the address with a firearm pointing at officers and was shot.

Officers began first aid until paramedics and London’s Air Ambulance arrived. Mr Vasiljevas died a short time later. A handgun was recovered from next to Mr Vasiljevas and another firearm from inside the property. Examination later showed both to be unloaded air weapons.

As is routine, Mr Vasiljevas’s death was investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The IOPC report in December 2024 found no criminal offences, misconduct or learning identified for any officer and the use of force was necessary, reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances of the incident.

Mr Vasiljevas’s actions caused the officer who fired the fatal shot to believe there was an imminent threat to life. That officer had to make a split-second decision to keep himself, his colleagues and the wider public safe.

The inquest heard evidence that Mr Vasiljevas had not been specifically informed that armed officers were outside his home, although he was told he was speaking to armed police call handlers. It is thought that he therefore first became aware that armed police were outside his property when he came out onto his porch and saw them, on his first exit, and before any shots were fired.

A senior firearms’ officer will provide further evidence to a senior coroner early next year around the policing operation and any relevant changes in policy and procedure since November 2023.