Man shot by cops as bomb squad swarms village pub

A man has been shot by police as a bomb squad and counter-terror officers swarmed a village pub last night.

A 100-metre cordon was put in place near the Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne, Kent, after police rushed to the scene at around 7:15pm on Monday, July 7 to conduct an arrest.

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.

The major police operation on Ashford Road caused the British Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, counterterrorism officers and the National Crime Agency to all rush to the scene.

Specialist officers, forensics teams and armoured police vehicles were all spotted scouring the area this morning.

A large white forensic shield was erected outside the residential property which is directly opposite the pub.

A section of the A20 remains in police lockdown and is closed in both directions following the serious incident.

Access to Ashford Road between Greenway Court Road and the B2163 Penfold Hill is currently blocked in both directions. The Park Gate Inn pub also remains cordoned off.

Motorists in the area are reportedly being advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes with significant traffic disruption expected through this mornings rush hour.

Locals have also been told by officers to leave the area for their own safety, the area is surrounded by a large amount of residential properties.

The IOPC has now declared an independent investigation, supported by Kent Police.

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: "Kent Police attended an address in Hollingbourne, Maidstone to conduct an arrest at approximately 7.15pm on Monday 7 July 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."