Vigil held in Redditch for man killed in fatal police shooting on Christmas Eve
39-year-old Marcus Meade was pronounced dead at an address in Fownhope Close at around 8pm on 24 December
Last updated 21st Jan 2025
A candlelit vigil has been held in memory of a man who was killed on Christmas Eve in a fatal police shooting in Redditch.
39-year-old Marcus Meade, originally from Birmingham, was pronounced dead at an address in Fownhope Close at around 8pm on 24 December.
An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into the incident is ongoing, after West Mercia Police referred themselves to the police watchdog.
In a previous statement released earlier this month, the IOPC said officers had been called to the property at around 2pm that day, following concerns for the welfare of the occupant.
They say police attempted to negotiate with father-of-two Marcus Meade, who was in possession of a knife, for several hours, and established that at around 7.40pm, several officers forced entry to the property using distraction devices which generated several loud bangs and flashes.
A single shot was then fired, hitting Marcus, with officers carrying out immediate first aid, but he died at the scene a short time later.
Marcus's parents Anthony Meade and Deborah Clarke said ahead of the vigil they wanted "answers", and to know what happened to their son.
"We want answers, we want justice," Anthony said.
"Marcus was like any normal kid, a good heart, mischievous, he used to come and help me many times, he was just a good lad.
"Now he's not coming back, ever again."
West Mercia Police said in a statement released on Christmas Day that they the force would not be able to comment further while the investigation is taking place, but were fully supporting it.