The IPCC has confirmed the launch of an investigation following a police firearms incident in south-east London that left a man in a critical condition.

The watchdog said that it had now launched an independent probe after a man was shot around 06:00 Hours in Stanstead Road, SE22, on February 19.

The Met said officers had attended the scene following reports of a man attempting to break into a car and were threatened with a bladed weapon before the shootng. The Force confirmed that a tasers as well as firearms were deployed.

The un-named man, who is understood to be of Ghanaian origin, suffered gunshot wounds and was taken to Kings College Hospital where his condition is described as critical but stable.

The IPCC said the man’s family and were with him. The watchdog has deployed its on-call team and has decided the incident should be probed independently.

Watchdog Commissioner Mike Franklin said: “This man is receiving medical attention. His family have been informed and have been taken to the hospital by the police so that they can be close to him.

“The IPCC investigation will be carried out by our own investigators and will look at the circumstances leading up to this shooting,” Mr Franklin confirmed

“The investigation is in a very early stage and it may take a few days before we have verified information that we can give out. We will issue a fuller statement in due course.”