The daughter of a man who was shot dead by Metropolitan Police officers after he threatened to take his own life has paid tribute to her “caring” father as she launched a fundraiser to help pay for his funeral.
Giedrius Vasiljevas, 40, was shot twice by officers at his house in Dagenham, East London, at around 9pm on Thursday.
He had phoned 999 and told the operator that he wanted to take his own life and that he had loaded guns, according to a police statement.
Officers were scrambled to his home using a specialist negotiator to try to defuse the situation.
But Mr Vasiljevas is understood to have confronted officers on his doorstep before shots were fired.
Mr Vasiljevas’ daughter Austeja has now set up an online fundraising page to help raise cash for his funeralexpenses.
She wrote: “My father, Giedrius, battled mental health issues for over two decades, facing numerous challenges without the right help.
“The recent struggles, compounded by alcohol dependence, led him to make a desperate call to the police on November 23, 2023, expressing suicidal intentions with a firearm while under the influence.
“Tragically, the situation escalated, and my beloved father lost his life during the police intervention.
“This unimaginable loss has left our family and friends devastated. My dad was more than a parent; he was a caring soul whose infectious enthusiasm brightened every room. Despite his struggles, he cherished his family deeply, and in moments of sobriety, he emphasised his love for us, making his sudden departure even more heart-wrenching.”
Assistant Met Commissioner Matt Twist said: “Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the man who has died, with the local community in Dagenham and the officers involved in this incident.
“The IOPC is independently investigating this matter. It is right that officers are held to account when shots are fired, and we will work with the IOPC to provide all the information they need to carry out their enquiries.
“Our armed officers are highly trained and work around the clock to keep people safe in London. We ask them to do an incredibly difficult job every day and make split second decisions under huge pressure. A fatal police shooting is rare.
"The officers involved in this matter are being supported as they assist the IOPC investigation.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the incident.
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and all of those affected by this tragic incident.
“We have spoken with his family to offer our sympathies and explain our role.
“Given a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police.
“We know there will be questions about what happened but it’s important that we establish the facts about this incident before we comment further.”
The Met Police has been contacted for further comment.
