IOPC investigation underway after fatal police shooting in Redditch on Christmas Eve
The police watchdog is investigating after a 39-year-old man was shot dead by armed police in Worcestershire.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is independently investigating a fatal police shooting at an address in Redditch on Christmas Eve.
The IOPC says it was advised by West Mercia Police that officers attended a property in Fownhope Close at around 2 pm on Tuesday (24 December) after concerns were raised about the safety of a man with negotiations with a 39 year-old man who was present and in possession of a knife going on throughout the afternoon.
It is believed that tasers were fired by officers during the incident and at around 7.40pm the man was shot by a firearms officer at the property.
Sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene around 20 minutes later.
The IOPC says forensic examinations at the address are continuing and a knife was recovered from the scene
Police weapons involved in the incident will be subject to further analysis and the watchdog will be reviewing police body worn camera footage.
IOPC Director of Operations Steve Noonan said: “Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragic incident.
"Given a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by officers.
While police shootings are thankfully rare, it is understandable that people will be concerned when it does happen, and it is important we conduct a detailed and robust investigation into what took place.
"Our enquiries are in their very early stages.”