A 39-year-old man was fatally shot by armed police in Redditch, Worcestershire, on Christmas Eve following a tense standoff.
Police were called to a residence on Fownhope Close around 2:00 pm due to “significant concerns” regarding the safety of a man reportedly armed with a knife.
Efforts to Resolve the Situation
West Mercia Police confirmed that a trained negotiator engaged with the man for several hours in an attempt to defuse the situation peacefully.
Despite their efforts, the standoff escalated, and at approximately 7:40 pm, armed officers discharged their weapons.
The man, who was alone in the property, was pronounced dead shortly after 8:00 pm.
Police Statement
A police spokesperson stated, “After significant concerns were raised for the safety of a man who was in possession of a knife.
“A police negotiator responded, and attempts were made to resolve the situation by engaging with the man over several hours but, at about 7.40pm, a 39-year-old man was shot by armed police.”
Investigation Launched
As standard protocol, West Mercia Police referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has launched an independent investigation into the shooting.
Assistant Chief Constable Grant Wills commented, “This a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with everyone affected at this difficult time.
“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.
An IOPC spokesperson confirmed, ““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.”
