Kent pub shooting: Man shot by police in Hollingbourne as bomb squad swoop on village

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

A 100-metre cordon has been put in place near the Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne, Kent, after police were called out at around 7:15pm to "conduct an arrest". A man is in hospital and believed to have sustained life-changing injuries following the incident.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now begun an investigation into what happened. An IOPC spokesperson said: “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 7 July.

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“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. Our investigation is in the very early stages.”

Forensics have been seen in the car park of The Park Gate Inn. While A20 Ashford Road road remains closed in both directions between Chegworth Road and Penfold Hill this morning.

It remains unclear why the shooting happened at the time of writing. Kent Police told the Mirror in a statement that they attended an "address in Hollingbourne, Maidstone to conduct an arrest at approximately 7.15pm on Monday, July 7 2025."

The force added: "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." Aerial footage showed a number of armoured police vehicles parked by the pub and securing the nearby area.

While a team of forensic officers carrying black bags were also said to be on the scene. A bomb squad was also spotted unpacking protective clothing and a robot from a vehicle.

The small village of Hollingbourne has around 900 residents according to the last census and is located approximately five miles east of Maidstone. Locals are being warned to stay away from the area while the investigation continues.

A witness, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Telegraph they saw “armed officers shouting commands before a loud bang”.