News / Avon and Somerset Constabulary
Man shot dead by police named as Spencer Ashworth from Portishead
A man who was shot dead by police on a main road near Portishead last week has been named by investigators as Spencer Ashworth.
Armed officers responded to calls from members of the public, who reported seeing a man travelling on the M5 threaten another motorist with a handgun, at around 9.30am on Wednesday (September 27).
The red Suzuki Swift came off the motorway at junction 19 and was surrounded and stopped by one marked and two unmarked police vehicles on the Portbury Hundred road, where a number of shots were fired.
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A post-mortem on Thursday confirmed Ashworth died of gunshot wounds.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the 29-year-old, whose last known address is listed as Portishead.
A non-police issue gun found at the scene is undergoing ballistic and forensic tests.
IPCC operations manager Mel Evans said: “We are conducting a thorough and detailed independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Ashworth’s death.
“We have made positive progress and are continuing to build a detailed picture of what happened.
“We have made contact with Mr Ashworth’s family to offer our condolences and explain our role and will ensure they, Avon and Somerset Police and the coroner are kept updated as the investigation continues. Our thoughts remain with all of those affected.
“If anyone witnessed events who has not yet come forward we would be grateful to hear from them.”
The IPCC has also revealed it received information of an earlier incident in which a similar report was made to West Mercia Police.
Investigators remained at the scene throughout Wednesday and into Thursday last week and say evidence indicates that a number of shots were fired by four officers.
IPCC investigators are examining body worn video footage from the armed officers and are appealing for any motorists who might have captured any part of the incident on their dash or helmet cameras to come forward.
The officers involved are being treated as witnesses and the IPCC says this will be kept under review as the investigation continues.
Formal identification by Ashworth’s family will take place on Tuesday.
Anyone with information is asked to call 0800 029 4686 or email m5portishead@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk.
Main photo courtesy of Made in Bristol TV.
Read more: Non-police issue handgun found at scene of fatal police shooting in Portishead
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