Eric Torell, 20, was shot dead by Swedish police for carrying a toy gun"He wouldn't hurt a fly. He's the kindest person in the world"
Swedish police have shot dead a 20-year-old man with Down syndrome, after he fled his home carrying a toy machine gun.
Eric Torell was tragically gunned down by officers in the early hours of yesterday morning, in what they called a "threatening situation."
He was pronounced dead at 5.45am local time after being fired at by at least three officers.
His grieving mum, Katarina Söderberg, has revealed her fury, saying her son was "like a three-year-old" and was the "kindest person."
"It's impossible to understand," Katarina told the Expressen newspaper. "He wouldn't hurt a fly. He's the kindest person in the world."
She added that Eric, who also had autism, had received the plastic toy weapon - which "looked a little like a submachine gun" - as a gift.
"He could not talk, he could only say Mom, Mom," she told the paper.
The sad incident occurred after Police were reportedly called to Stockholm's Vasastan district, following reports that a man was showing a gun to residents.
Witnesses said officers shouted for Eric to "lay down his weapon."
He was taken to hospital after being shot, but was later confirmed dead.
An investigation into the sad event has been launched.
