A dramatic police operation unfolded on the evening of Monday, July 7, 2025, in the quiet Kent village of Hollingbourne when a man armed with a chainsaw, wearing a gas mask and body armour, was shot by armed officers outside the Park Gate Inn. The incident, which has left the man with life-changing injuries, has sparked an independent investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), amid concerns about the use of force and the suspect's mental health.
Kent Police initially attended the property on Ashford Road at approximately 7:15 PM to arrest Sean O'Meara, a 36-year-old plumber, on suspicion of assault. The situation quickly escalated when O'Meara refused to leave his parents' house. Unarmed officers withdrew, and armed units were deployed to manage the stand-off.
According to body-worn camera footage reviewed by the IOPC, O'Meara confronted officers while holding a chainsaw and another object believed by police to be a handmade firearm or an improvised explosive device (IED). He was also seen wearing a gas mask and body armour, heightening officers' concerns about the threat level. The footage shows that police fired a first baton round, a type of rubber bullet, after which O'Meara took cover behind a hedge.
Officers then advanced with the support of a police dog. Despite orders to put down the chainsaw, O'Meara ignored the commands. A second baton round was discharged, but seconds later, he moved towards the officers, prompting one to fire a conventional firearm, shooting him in the abdomen and arm. Emergency first aid was administered at the scene before O'Meara was rushed to King’s College Hospital in London, where he remains in an induced coma. His injuries are described as life-changing but not believed to be life-threatening.
The bomb squad and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were deployed to the scene, where they made safe a device found among the weapons recovered. The area around the Park Gate Inn was cordoned off with a 100-metre perimeter, and the nearby A20 Ashford Road was closed in both directions between Chegworth Road and Penfold Hill to facilitate the investigation. Forensic teams worked overnight collecting evidence, while armoured police vehicles remained stationed near the pub.
The incident has caused alarm in the small village of Hollingbourne, home to around 900 residents and situated about five miles east of Maidstone and a mile from Leeds Castle. Witnesses reported hearing officers shouting commands followed by a loud bang, underscoring the tense nature of the confrontation.
O'Meara's half-brother, Liam O'Meara, 44, has publicly expressed concern over the police's handling of the situation. He told The Telegraph, "The police could have shot him in his leg. We'll see on the cameras. They could have tased him couldn't they? They haven't had the communication." Liam also revealed that Sean has mental health problems and believes the worst injuries were caused by the chainsaw falling on his arm after he dropped it, rather than the gunshot itself, which passed straight through without causing extensive damage. He fears Sean may lose the use of his arm.
Kent Police have confirmed that the incident was not related to terrorism. A spokesperson said, "Following initial attendance, officers were further supported by additional units including firearms patrols. During the incident, a man in his 30s was shot by officers and was subsequently taken to hospital, where he remains. Officers remain at the scene and have been supported by an explosive ordnance disposal team who made the area safe. As with all police shootings, a mandatory referral was made to the IOPC, and Kent Police will assist the IOPC with its independent investigation as appropriate."
IOPC director Amanda Rowe emphasized the rarity of police shootings and the importance of their independent role. She 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."
The IOPC investigation is still in its early stages, with investigators having been sent to the scene to gather evidence and review police procedures following the shooting. The agency confirmed that the man is receiving treatment for injuries thought to be life-changing.
This incident has reignited conversations about police tactics in dealing with individuals who may have mental health issues and are armed with dangerous weapons. The presence of a chainsaw and the suspect's protective gear complicated the officers' response, raising questions about the balance between public safety and the use of force.
Locals have been advised to avoid the area as the investigation continues. The closure of a key road and the deployment of specialized units have disrupted the typically quiet village, leaving residents eager for clarity and reassurance.
As the community awaits further details, the focus remains on Mr. O'Meara's recovery and the outcome of the independent inquiry. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in confronting unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations, and the need for transparency and accountability in such critical incidents.
