Armed police officers killed a man in Worcestershire on Christmas Eve, according to West Mercia Police. The police were called to an address on Fownhope Close, Redditch at around 14:00 GMT, following concerns raised by paramedics over a man possessing a knife and his safety. The situation reportedly lasted several hours and involved a police negotiator. However, the police had to use lethal force and shot the man at around 19:40 GMT. He was later pronounced dead.
The incident remains under investigation, and West Mercia Police has referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), the UK independent police watchdog. No-one else was in the address when the police shot the man, West Mercia Police has confirmed. The police force has also emphasised that it is taking the matter seriously and following all appropriate procedures. Assistant Chief Constable Grant Wills stated that the police would support the IOPC investigation and provide body-worn camera footage if required.
West Mercia Police has stated that it does not want to underestimate the community’s shock and concerns and has offered to reassure Redditch residents. However, the police force has refrained from commenting further as the investigation is ongoing. The incident marks a tragic turn of events, further highlighting the increased scrutiny and backlash faced by police brutality issues around the world, including in the UK
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