Today (28 February), the jury sitting in the inquest into the death of Graham Trinder has returned a verdict that he was lawfully killed.

Mr Trinder died after being shot by a firearms officer in Summers Street, Swindon on Sunday 8 November 2020.

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson: "Following the Inquest conclusion into the death of Mr Trinder, my thoughts and sincere condolences remain firmly with those closest to him, his family and friends.

“I recognise the deep impact this incident will have had, not only on those closest to him, but also on members of the community who may have witnessed or been affected by these events in 2020.

“This was the first fatal police shooting in Wiltshire and, while the use of police firearms is thankfully rare both here and across the country, these incidents are understandably distressing for all involved.

“No police officer ever wants to take a life, and the use of force—particularly lethal force—is always a last resort.

“Wiltshire’s firearms officers undergo rigorous and continuous specialist training to ensure they can make split-second decisions under extreme pressure, always with the primary aim of protecting life. This is why the use of force by Wiltshire Police remains under constant scrutiny, not only through national oversight bodies like the IOPC but also through local accountability measures.

“My office has a dedicated scrutiny panel which reviews police use of force, ensuring transparency and accountability to the public. This is a crucial part of our commitment to maintaining trust and ensuring that policing is carried out with the consent and support of the communities it serves.

“I recognise that the inquest process may have brought back difficult memories for many. My office, alongside Wiltshire Police, remains committed to engaging with and supporting those affected. I encourage anyone in need of assistance to seek support through local services or to reach out to their local policing teams.

“As we reflect on today’s conclusion, my priority remains ensuring that Wiltshire Police continues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability, working with the public to build trust and confidence in policing across our county.”

Published Friday 28 February 2025