Man, 39, shot dead by armed police in Redditch on Christmas Eve
Officers were called to an address after reports of a knife-wielding man, police say
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A 39-year-old was shot dead by armed police after a five hour stand-off in Redditch on Christmas Eve.
Police officers were called to an address in Fownhope Close at around 2pm after “significant concerns were raised” about the safety of a man in possession of a knife.
A police negotiator was called and officers attempted to resolve the situation by engaging with the man over several hours, West Mercia Police said.
However their efforts failed and, at an around 7:40pm, the man was shot by armed police. A knife was later recovered from the scene.
The 39-year-old, who was the only person at the address at the time, was pronounced dead just after 8pm.
Police said they were called to the address “after significant concerns were raised for the safety of a man who was in possession of a knife.”
They added: “A police negotiator responded, and attempts were made to resolve the situation by engaging with the man over several hours but, at approximately 7.40pm, a 39-year-old man was shot by armed police.
“Despite best efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead just after 8pm. No one else was in the address at the time.”
Uniformed police officers were on duty outside the three-storey block of flats on Christmas Day, with forensic experts present, and a tent set up at the rear of the building.
Tributes have been made on social media to the man who died. One wrote: “RIP, thoughts are with you all.” Another said: “So sorry to hear this! Sending love to all the family.”
West Mercia Police have now referred themselves to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), which is normal procedure after a police shooting.
Assistant chief constable Grant Wills said: “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.
“We will support their investigation, which will include providing all information we hold, including body worn camera footage.”
Confirming a referral had been made, an IOPC spokesman said: ““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 investigation is in its very early stages.”