Armed police shot a 39-year-old man dead in Worcestershire on Christmas Eve.
West Mercia police officers attended an address in Redditch, at around 2pm on Tuesday, after concerns for the safety of a man who had a knife, the force said.
The police said attempts were made over several hours to deal with the incident, but that the man, who was said to be the only person at the address at the time, was shot at around 7.40pm. He was pronounced dead shortly after at 8pm.
The force said it referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).
Assistant chief constable Grant Wills said: “We do not underestimate the shock and concern this may cause the local community and I want to reassure residents that we are following all appropriate procedures, this included making an immediate referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is mandatory and right.”
He added that the force would support the IOPC’s investigation, including providing all information it holds, including body-worn camera footage.
Confirming a referral had been made, an IOPC spokesperson said: “We can confirm we have begun an independent investigation following an incident at an address in Fownhope Close, Redditch, at around 7.40pm yesterday in which a man was shot by police and sadly pronounced dead soon after.
“After being informed of the incident by West Mercia police, we sent investigators to the scene… to begin our inquiries and start gathering evidence.
“Our investigation is in its very early stages.”
Source: theguardian.com
