Man with Down's syndrome shot dead by Swedish police who thought his toy gun was real

A 20-year-old man with Down’s syndrome and autism has been shot and killed by police in Stockholm.

Several officers opened fire on Eric Torell – who was waving a toy gun – early yesterday morning. He died of his wounds shortly afterwards.

Prosecutor Martin Tiden, who is examining whether police were at fault, said: “The man held a weapon-like object and officers opened fire after judging the situation as threatening.”

He added that the probe was “routine” because police had used their firearms. No police officers are suspected of foul play.

“It has subsequently been established that the object was some kind of toy,” Mr Tiden said, adding that “more than one police officer made use of his firearm”.

Mr Torell’s mother Katarina Soderberg told the Expressen newspaper that her son was “the world’s sweetest and most lovable person”.

She added that he had been reported missing after leaving home hours earlier, and struggled to communicate.

She said: “He could barely speak, he could just say ‘mommy, mommy’.” Ms Soderberg said the plastic toy resembled a sub-machine gun.

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Swedish police acknowledged the shooting and said an investigation into possible police misconduct has been initiated.

Stockholm police chief Ulf Johansson called the shooting “a terrible event”.

Mr Johansson said: “It is very tragic for all those involved, and I have a great understanding and respect that what has happened has awoken many distraught feelings.”

Mr Tiden could not say how long the investigation would last.