Swedish police are under investigation after shooting a 20-year-old man with Down syndrome who was holding a toy gun.
The Swedish Police Authority said they had received an call on Thursday, reporting a man had been seen walking the streets of Stockholm with what appeared to be a gun.
According to newspaper Expressen, when police arrived on scene they shouted at Eric Torell to "lay down his weapon and lie on the ground".
The 20-year-old has Down syndrome and autism, and his mother said he had difficulty with speech, only ever using the word "mum".
His family reported him missing after he left home hours earlier.
He was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.
Mr Torell's mother, Katarina Söderberg, told Expressen her son was "the world's kindest man," and said the toy gun was a gift.
"It's impossible to understand. He wouldn't hurt a fly," she said.
An investigation into possible police misconduct is now under way.
Martin Tiden, the Swedish prosecutor investigating the case, said that while multiple officers opened fire on Mr Torell, none of them are suspected of foul play.
"Even if he made a mistake, even if he went outside with a pistol thing, a toy gun, do they have to shoot him dead because of that? It was light outside," Ms Söderberg said.
"You can see a mile away that he's got Down syndrome. It can't be missed," she said. "A 'threatening man'? He's like a three-year-old."
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