Inquest to examine fatal shooting of man by West Midlands Police

An inquest into the death of a black man who was shot by West Midlands Police will open today.

Trevor Alton Smith died in his bedroom in Lee Bank, Birmingham, shortly after 5am on 15th March 2019 during an intelligence-led operation by West Midlands Police Firearms Unit.

The 52 year old had been under the care of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust services after experiencing depression following the sudden death of his dad, two years before his own.

The inquest into his death will examine the circumstances and actions of officers involved and is due to last 3-4 weeks.

The majority of police officers have been granted anonymity at the hearing, and their evidence will be heard from behind a screen, including 'Officer N' who discharged the fatal shot.

Ahead of the hearing, Trevor’s family said: “We turn to the inquest to provide answers as to what happened that morning resulting in Trevor’s death. It must ask serious questions about how the police engage with people with mental ill health.”