THE FAMILY of Marcus Meade who died after being shot by police on Christmas Eve say ‘they want answers’.
Officers were called to the father-of-two’s home in Fownhope Close by paramedics around 2pm.
The 39-year-old was reported to have had a mental health episode and had a knife, A six-hour stand-off ensued which involved police negotiators and it is believed tasers were used.
His parents Anthony Meade and Deborah Clarke said they were left mortified and distraught to hear of the death of their son through the grapevine and on social media and were asking why it happened.
She said: “I want to know what happened to my son, I want to know why they thought it was okay to do what they did to my son.
“I want answers and I want justice for my son.”
His dad added: “Christmas is meant to be a time for loving, sharing and caring and to hear of 13 tactical explosions, a taser and a bullet being delivered into my son’s chest, makes it difficult for us as a family to celebrate Christmas ever again.
“I need to know why my baby boy is dead.”
His aunts Selina and Tracy Freckleton said “My nephew Marcus was sadly and unjustifiably taken away from all of us.
“We must get justice for Marcus. We are heartbroken.”
And his uncle Mark Freckleton said: ”We have been left now suffering forever.”
The family are being supported by campaigner Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo MBE.
He said: “There is a simple question here and that his why Marcus is not with his family, who have started 2025 having to identify him in a mortuary following the actions of West Mercia Police.
Marcus was a father, a son, a brother, a nephew, an uncle and much more.”
He added the family and the community demanded a ‘timely, open and transparent investigation’ as to why Marcus was no longer alive.
The family also raised the issue of a video released by the BBC of doorbell footage from a neighbouring property where 13 flashes could be counted.
The IOPC investigation
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the investigation was progressing and provided an update, saying around 7.40pm, several officers forced entry to the property using distraction devices. Each device generated several loud bangs and flashes.
At least one Taser was then discharged, and a firearms officer fired a single shot which hit Mr Meade in the chest. Officers attempted immediate first aid, but he died at the scene a short time later.
A post-mortem examination took place on December 31 and toxicology tests are being progressed.
IOPC investigators attended the property on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to oversee forensic examinations and secure evidence.
Through the police post-incident procedure, we they have obtained initial accounts from the officers involved.
And they have collated many hours of police body-worn video footage from the overall incident which they have begun to review.
IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Meade’s family, and everyone affected by his death.”
He added they were working hard to piece together all the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, adding the investigation would be thorough and guided by the evidence found.
He also added the IOPC would be meeting with Mr Meade’s family to again offer their sincere condolences, to outline how our investigation would progress and provide them with regular updates as enquiries continued.
