THE ARMED officer who shot a gunman in the leg acted proportionately, a watchdog report has found.

Robber Howard Jones who had minutes earlier stolen a refrigerated lorry, was shot by the unnamed Wiltshire Police officer last June – after the 59-year-old fired two ball bearings at another policeman.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct, which has today published its findings, said the non-fatal shooting of Jones had been “necessary and proportionate”.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “Armed officers were called to reports of a man carrying a handgun and were faced with a frightening and dynamic situation.

“Having investigated thoroughly, we are satisfied that the force used to detain the man including the firearm discharge was necessary and proportionate.”

Police were called to reports of an armed robbery on the Rivermead Industrial Estate, Westlea, at around 5pm on June 16 last year. Jones was reported to have stolen a lorry at gunpoint.

Armed officers caught up with the thief in Ridge Green, off Shaw Road. The police officers challenged the man and spotted he had a gun, which was later found to be an air pistol.

Officers were stood either side of the stolen and twice discharged their Tasers. Jones was said to have raised his gun at one of the officers and fired, striking him in the face with a ball bearing.

The other officer fired a single shot, which hit the Jones in the thigh. They immediately began to perform first aid on the suspect, who was later taken to hospital in Bristol.

The IOPC’s Mr Campbell said: “After the man failed to comply with verbal commands, the officers had initially deployed the less-lethal option of Taser, but these steps were unsuccessful in subduing him.

“The man’s actions caused armed officers to have a genuine and legitimate fear for their own and others’ safety. After the man was shot, officers swiftly began first aid to help preserve his life. The officers involved dealt with an armed confrontation in a highly professional manner.”

The officers were said to have followed operational guidance, with the IOPC concluding that there were no lessons identified for Wiltshire Police.

Jones, formerly of Shrivenham Road, is expected to be sentenced in the spring after earlier admitting robbery, blackmail, possession of an imitation firearm, false imprisonment, assaulting an emergency worker and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith of Wiltshire Police welcomed the findings and praised the officers and police staff involved in responding to the incident.

She said: “The armed officers who responded that evening showed bravery and professionalism during a fast-moving and potentially dangerous incident, and I would like to commend them for their actions.

“It is thanks to their restraint and quick-thinking that nobody, including Jones, was seriously injured and I know the people of Swindon will join me in thanking them for their dedicated public service.

“Police officers, particularly firearms officers, often have to make split-second decisions in a bid to protect the wider public and keep people safe, and the IOPC investigation highlights the challenges they face and the professionalism they show.

“I would also like to praise all the officers and staff involved in responding to the incident on the night, as well as the detectives who have worked tirelessly on this case.

“This matter caused considerable anxiety within the town but I hope that now the full facts can be reported, they will have a better understanding of the chain of events on the evening of June 16.”