Man is shot by police near rural pub after counter-terror cops attend

Armed police have shot a man outside a rural village pub, after counter-terror cops and bomb squad officers swarmed it. 

Police surrounded the Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne, Kent last night. 

A 100-metre cordon has been put in place around the boozer following the incident, which began shortly after 7pm. 

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

Forensic officers carrying black bags were also reportedly seen. 

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.  

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

Watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating and said a man had been shot by police and ‘is receiving treatment in hospital’. 

A spokesman told MailOnline: ‘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.’

Locals are being urged to stay away from the scene. 

The A20 Ashford Road has been closed in both directions. 

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

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

The Park Gate Inn 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.