Child injured after ‘accidental gun discharge’ at police HQ

An investigation is under way after a firearm was accidentally discharged at Nottinghamshire Police’s headquarters, near Papplewick, injuring a child.

The incident happened at around 12.15pm on Thursday 30th October during an escorted visit to Sherwood Lodge by a group of children and parents who were being shown specialist services including dogs, firearms and traffic cars.

At the end of a brief talk from firearms officers there was an accidental discharge of a police issued firearm into the ground, a police spokesman said.

Following the incident a seven-year-old Nottinghamshire girl, who was part of the visiting group, was found with a minor injury to her lip.

The cause of that injury will now form part of the investigation.

The officer involved is currently not on firearms duties, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Torr said: “We are conducting a thorough inquiry to determine exactly how this unfortunate incident happened and have also referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

“We have spoken to the parents who were visiting force headquarters with their children to explain what happened and have apologised for any distress caused.”

Related topics: