Police Shoot Chopper Threat Siege Man With 'Rubber' Bullet
Ananova
Thursday February 28, 2002 8:17 AM


A man is recovering in hospital after being shot by armed officers with a "rubber" bullet.

It is believed to be the first time the baton gun has been used on the UK mainland since it was approved last year.

Police were sent to the man's home after he called them to say he had a "chopper" and was going to kill his children, aged two and six.

Officers were also told the man had stabbed his 26-year-old partner, although this was later found to be incorrect.

A two-hour siege followed at the house at Mor Awel in Old Colwyn, North Wales, before the man, who was armed with an eight-inch knife and covered in blood, was shot in the abdomen with a baton round.

Police say he was able to walk to the ambulance but may be suffering internal bleeding. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening and he was taken to Glan Clwyd Hospital for observation.

North Wales Police have had the baton guns, which fire single plastic rounds measuring 9cm by 3cm, for approximately six months as a less lethal option in dangerous situations.

The gun used was a L104 A1 model Heckler and Koch Baton Gun, which received Ministerial Approval for police use last June.

North Wales Police are investigating the shooting, which took place shortly before 11pm yesterday.