WEST Mercia Police Federation is supporting officers after a man was shot by armed police in Redditch on Christmas Eve.
Branch representatives were called out as part of the post incident procedure and spent a number of hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The federation’s branch chair Steve Butler said: “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this incident.
“A number of officers were involved in the incident and support is in place for them, from the Force and Federation.”
West Mercia Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, Grant Wills, said: “This is 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.”
IOPC investigation gets under way
The force referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Complaints (IOPC) and representatives from the organisation also attended.
The IOPC said: “We understand that negotiations with a 39 year-old man who was present and in possession of a knife, went 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 confirmed a knife was recovered from the scene. Police weapons involved in the incident were also taken away for further analysis.
It added: “We will be reviewing police body worn camera footage.
“We have made contact with the man’s family to express our condolences and explain our involvement.”
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.”
The coroner has been informed and a post-mortem examination will take place.
