editorial comment Good to hear that they are finally learning from the US police force.....CSI Licolnshire needed a bit more action. It the ratings' season after all....

Armed police opened fire for the first time in their force’s history as they arrested a man, believed to be a former police officer, during a drugs raid, it emerged today.

The shots were fired by officers as they swooped on the scene in Lincoln to arrest a 43-year-old local man on suspicion of supplying drugs.

It is believed to be the first time officers from Lincolnshire Police have discharged shots since the force was formed more than 30 years ago.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) launched an investigation into the incident, which began at around 1pm yesterday on a rural track between Burton village and Burton Waters.

No one was injured during the arrest but the IPCC was informed as a matter of routine to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the use of a firearm, a police spokesman said.

The man, who has been reported as being a former police officer, was taken to a Lincolnshire police station where he was being interviewed today.

All roads into the village were immediately closed and police blocks were put in place around the scene while forensic examinations were carried out.

A police spokesman said in a statement: “The IPCC is managing an investigation into an incident which occurred about 1pm in Lincoln.

“The incident began when police officers arrested a 43-year-old local man on suspicion of being involved in the supply of controlled drugs.

“It was an armed police operation and police discharged shots at the scene, which is on Fen Lane, Lincoln.

“No one was injured during the incident. The man was taken to a Lincolnshire police station for questioning.

“Because shots were discharged the IPCC was informed and Commissioner Len Jackson has announced he will manage the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the firing of shots by the police.”

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