Mother tells inquest crossbow attacker’s actions were out of character

Bryce Hodgson’s mother told an inquest that her son’s actions before he was shot dead by police were completely out of character. She described him as shy and non-violent, and said his family wants to understand what happened and whether opportunities to help him were missed.

Hodgson, 30, was killed by armed officers on 30 January 2024 after entering his former home in Surrey Quays with a crossbow and a sword, despite a court order banning him from the address. He had been convicted of stalking in July 2023 and given a suspended sentence. The inquest heard that he had experienced mental health concerns, including possible psychosis, while continuing to work in IT; his mother said he had seemed positive when visiting family at Christmas.