Man is shot by police near rural pub after cops swarm the area

Armed police have shot and seriously injured a man outside a rural village pub, after cops and military bomb squad officers swarmed it. 

Police surrounded the Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne, Kent last night. It’s believed cops were attending a property opposite the pub, locals said.

A 100-metre cordon has been put in place around the boozer following the incident, which began shortly after 7pm. The shooting took place just before 9pm. 

Dramatic aerial footage has captured armoured vehicles parked up securing the area outside the pub. 

One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, reportedly described seeing ‘armed officers shouting commands before a loud bang’.

In a brief statement released this morning, Kent Police said it had been carrying out an arrest when an armed officer opened fire. 

MailOnline understands the incident is not terror-related, and no counter-terrorism officers were involved.  

Watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating and said a man – who has not been identified – had been shot by police and ‘is receiving treatment in hospital’. 

A police spokesman said: ‘Kent Police attended an address in Hollingbourne, Maidstone to conduct an arrest at approximately 7.15pm on Monday, July 7 2025.

‘While at the scene, a firearm was discharged by a police officer. A man sustained injuries believed to be life-changing and was taken to a London hospital where he remains receiving treatment.

‘Shortly afterwards the IOPC declared an independent investigation, which Kent Police is supporting.’

An IOPC spokesman added: ‘We have begun an independent investigation after a man was shot and seriously injured by Kent Police, who were responding to an incident on Monday July 7.

‘We were notified by the force after the incident in Hollingbourne, which occurred shortly before 9pm, and declared an independent investigation a short time later.

‘The man is receiving treatment in hospital for his injuries which are thought to be life changing.

‘We have sent investigators to the scene and the police post incident procedure to begin gathering evidence.’

Trauma kits and emergency first aid bags were still open outside the pub this morning having appeared to have been used. A police riot shield was also resting on a fence.

Forensic officers carrying black bags were also reportedly seen this morning.

Locals are being urged to stay away from the scene. 

The A20 Ashford Road has been closed in both directions, with officers seen guarding the cordon on Tuesday morning.

Eddie Powell, chairman of Harrietsham Parish Council, said locals has been stunned by the incident which was ‘completely out of character’ for the village.

‘We heard police cars racing along last night and thought it must be an accident, as that happens quite a lot,’ he told KentOnline. ‘But then in the early hours we heard the bomb squad were called to a property near the pub .

‘This is completely out of character for around here. It’s the sort of thing you’d expect to happen in Oxford Street or Pall Mall.’

Other locals said they had been left horrified by the police shooting – which they did not hear. 

Jamie Shiels, 52, who has lived in his cottage for four years, said: ‘We didn’t hear anything which is unusual because it is so quiet here that we normally would hear something like that.

‘We haven’t been told anything by police. We were so shocked this morning. It is very unusual.

‘We lived in London all our lives before coming here so we are more used to these things. But you definitely don’t expect to hear it down here.’

Debby Bamforth, 51, who has lived in her home for 18 years says she has never had any problems before.

She added: ‘My husband told me the road was closed off this morning and that was the first I heard of it.

‘I was very shocked. You would never expect that here.

‘Nothing like this has ever happened before. It is a sleepy village. You feel safe and you can leave your doors unlocked.’

Couple Martin and Sandra Paterson-Foad say the only problem in their quiet village is the traffic – which was worsened by today’s road closures.

Sandra, 71, said: ‘We had no idea what happened until we asked the neighbours. I was very surprised. It is so shocking.

‘The traffic has been a nightmare. We are a little village with narrow roads.

‘It is not the quiet little place it was when we moved here.’

Hollingbourne is a small village with a population of around 900 people, according to the last census. 

It is located about five miles east of Maidstone and is off the M20, one of the main highway leading through Kent. 

In a statement, the Park Gate Inn said: ‘Due to a police incident that took place late last night in the houses opposite the pub, we are currently closed while the authorities complete their work in the area. 

‘We want to reassure everyone that nothing happened in the pub itself – all our team are safe and well. We’re simply following guidance to ensure everyone’s safety. 

‘We’ll keep you updated and hope to reopen as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and support.’ 

The boozer is described as a ‘dog-friendly’ country pub. 

It is named after the gate that once led into Leeds Castle Park in the mid nineteenth century. 

Leeds Castle has been home to royalty, lords and ladies for over a thousand years. 

Park Gate was a small hamlet at that time and was served by the inn that has a 16th century building at its core. 

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said explosives experts from 11 EOD&S Regiment, 621 Squadron, had been called to the scene. 

An MoD spokesman added: ‘We can confirm an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called out to a possible item of concern in the Hollingbourne area of Kent.

‘Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot confirm the nature of the item. All further queries should be directed to the Police.’