Searches are continuing at the scene of a police incident where a plumber with a chainsaw and a suspected explosive device was shot by police.
The A20 at Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, was temporarily shut for a second time yesterday evening (July 9) to allow further work to be carried out by the bomb squad.
It has since reopened this morning, but police officers remain at the scene today (July 10) as part of their investigations.
Kent Police West Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon, said: “I would like to thank the local communities, businesses and those who rely on the A20 for their patience and understanding during this period of disruption.
“This is a complex investigation, and it is imperative that we make sure the local area is safe.
“We will do all we can to ensure any future disruption is kept to a minimum while also allowing for officers to carry out their important inquiries.”
Sean O’Meara was shot in the abdomen by a police officer at his parents’ house in Ashford Road on Monday night (July 7).
The 36-year-old suffered life-changing injuries and is understood to be in an induced coma in King’s College Hospital in London.
O’Meara, who was carrying a suspected explosive device and wearing a gas mask and body armour, was shot as he approached armed police while carrying a chainsaw.
Officers had already fired two baton rounds at him before he was hit.
As earlier reported, his brother Liam felt police used unnecessary force on the tradesman who he says suffers from mental health problems.
The 44-year-old told the Telegraph: “The police could have shot him in his leg. They could have Tasered him, couldn’t they? The bullet’s gone straight in and out, so it has not caused many problems.”
Officers were sent to the property near Leeds Castle at 7.15pm on Monday to conduct an arrest over an alleged assault.
O’Meara refused to come out of the house, so the officers were instructed to withdraw, and an armed unit was sent in.
A detailed search of the scene has continued, and among the weapons found were the chainsaw and a device which was made safe by the bomb squad.
A police cordon was put back in place near the property, which is opposite the Park Gate Inn, at around 4.45pm yesterday.
The road was closed between the B2163 Penfold Hill to Hospital Road, which was causing traffic issues in nearby country lanes as people made their way home.
Chairman of Harrietsham Parish Council, Eddie Powell, said: “It caused problems on the local lanes. It has caused an issue with traffic and congestion.
“There is still a police car there, and it is still cordoned off. It is still the talk of the community.
“Nothing ever happens here other than the odd accident on the A20, like any other A-road.”
Speaking previously, Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) director Amanda Rowe said: “Police shootings are fortunately rare; however, given a man has been injured after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident, including the actions and decisions taken by the police.
“Based on analysis of evidence gathered to date, no police officer is under investigation for either misconduct or criminality – they are being treated as witnesses.
“We appreciate that the community will want answers quickly, and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts and piece together what occurred.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected.”
