The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has concluded its independent investigation into the circumstances of an incident in Rugeley in which police firearms were discharged and a man was injured.

At approximately 3pm on Friday 18 August 2006 armed officers were called to Burnthill Lane in Rugeley, Staffordshire, where a man in a car was reported to have a firearm. Following the incident Staffordshire Police confirmed that the man, subsequently identified as David Shepherd, aged 40, from Shenstone, near Lichfield, had been shot in the hand.

The previous day Mr Shepherd's former wife had reported allegations of domestic violence to Staffordshire Police. Following this, the force circulated details of David Shepherd as wanted.

On Friday 18 August, following threats received via mobile phone picture message, a former partner contacted Staffordshire Police. She confirmed to officers that David Shepherd's car had been seen on the car park of Hagley Park School. After ensuring that she was safe, two armed response vehicles (ARVs) and a dog unit were deployed to Hagley Park School to identify, locate and contain Shepherd.

Officers attending Hagley Park School attempted to disarm Mr Shepherd. He continued to display his firearm and refused to cooperate with the police. As a result of this, a baton round and four shots were discharged by officers. Mr Shepherd was subsequently transferred to Staffordshire General Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Shepherd was later charged with, and pleaded guilty to, a number of offences including possession of an imitation firearm, and was jailed for six years by Stafford Crown Court in February 2007.

The IPCC independent investigation found that officers had acted appropriately when dealing with the events that unfolded that day but expressed concerns about the tactics employed at the scene. No officer committed any criminal or disciplinary offence during the course of the firearms incident.

The IPCC recommended that Staffordshire Police critically review the tactics used during the incident and draw from it the essential relevant learning. In addition it is proposed that Staffordshire Police reviews the role and method of appointment of the Armed Response Team Co-ordinator.

John Crawley, IPCC Commissioner, said: "This was a difficult and challenging situation for these officers and there are usually useful lessons to be learned from incidents like this, which fortunately are still very rare in our country.

"Our investigation established that on this occasion officers did respond appropriately to the perceived danger that they and the public faced. They also responded swiftly to take action to protect David Shepherd's former partner."