Police firearms officer accidentally shoots himself in foot while on call

A police firearms officer accidentally shot himself in the foot while responding to a call.

The officer discharged the weapon by mistake after an early-morning visit to a west London property.

The incident happened in East Acton at about 4.20am on Thursday as the firearms squad left the address.

Scotland Yard said the team had been carrying out a "welfare check" on the property's occupant.

The officer was taken to a central London hospital for treatment and his condition is not life-threatening.

AMetropolitan Police spokesman said: "Firearms officers attended an address in Old Oak Common Lane to carry out a welfare check on an occupant there.

"After completing the call and leaving the address, a police firearm was discharged by one of the officers causing an injury to his foot.

"He has been taken to a central London hospital for treatment - his condition is not life threatening.

"The Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed - enquiries continue."

No other shots were fired and no other injuries reported.