Prison Van Plot: Man Was Shot Dead By Police

A man who died during a police operation to foil a plot to free prisoners was shot by a firearms officer, the IPCC has confirmed.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission, which is investigating the incident in Wood Green on Friday morning, said a firearms officer had reported discharging his weapon during the operation.

Analysis of the officer's ammunition has since confirmed that a single shot was fired, and what appears to be a non-police issue firearm was also recovered from the scene.

The 28-year-old, who is yet to be formally identified, was killed as police responded to an alleged plot to free convicted criminals from a prison van on its way to Wood Green Crown Court, Sky News understands.

In a statement, IPCC Commissioner Cindy Butts added: "I give my assurances that a thorough, independent investigation into the circumstances is under way. My thoughts are with all of those affected by today's events."

The police officers involved in the operation were specialist firearms officers who had not been issued with body cameras

Six people have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to facilitate the escape of an individual from custody.

They are believed to have been trying to free Izzet Eren, 32, and Erwin Amoah Gyamfi, 29, who were due to be sentenced for aggravated vehicle taking and possession of a firearm.

Both of no fixed abode, Eren and Gyamfi were each sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment at Wood Green Crown Court for an attempted "professional hit". Their hearing on Friday afternoon had been delayed by the earlier incident.

Sky's Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt said: "Springing someone from a prisoner van is a complicated matter, you have to be sure which van you are targeting.

"Dozens of people were to appear (at Wood Green Crown Court) this morning ... a good few of them would have been travelling to the court from different prisons.

"The question will arise did the intended target inside the prison van have contact with those who were planning to spring him."