A man was accidentally shot by police as they investigated reports of a woman being held by armed men in a south-east London pub.
Officers stopped a car near the pub and a gun was “unintentionally discharged” injuring a man, police said.
Armed cops shot a man and arrested six others in south east London in the early hours of this morning (SAT).
Police say the man, in his twenties, was taken to hospital for treatment to a gunshot wound after being shot by specialist firearms officers in Lewisham at around 4am.
He remains in hospital, but his condition is understood not to be life threatening.
An independent inquiry into the circumstances of the shooting has been launched.
The drama began just before 4am when police – including armed officers – were called to reports of a gunman seen in the Lewisham Road area.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Police were called at 3.55am to reports of a man seen in possession of a firearm in the vicinity of Lewisham Road.
“The caller also raised concerns for the welfare of a woman at an address in Lewisham Road.
“Officers, including armed officers, attended the scene and stopped a vehicle near to the junction with Blackheath Hill.
“A police firearm was discharged.
“One man, believed aged in his twenties, was taken to a south hospital suffering a gunshot injury. His condition is not life-threatening. He has been arrested.
“A further six men have been arrested; five for false imprisonment and one for possession of an offensive weapon.
“Enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing.”
He added: “The Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct have been informed.”
By Stephen Beech