Coping has been 'hard' say parents of man fatally shot by West Mercia Police in Redditch on Christmas Eve
39-year-old Marcus Meade was pronounced dead at an address in Fownhope Close at around 8pm on 24 December
The parents of a Redditch man who was shot dead by West Mercia Police on Christmas Eve say they are still struggling to come to terms with the loss of their son.
39-year-old Marcus Meade, originally from Birmingham, was pronounced dead at an address in Fownhope Close at around 8pm on 24 December.
His family held a protest on Friday (11 April) demanding 'justice' and calling for "the immediate suspension of the officer involved".
Police response
A West Mercia Police spokesperson has previously said: "The officers involved have not been suspended and, after a period of reflection, have returned to duty.
"In a gravely serious incident such as this, the suspension of police officers is a significant decision. It is a process guided by regulations and policies, which we have adhered to. The decision is regularly reviewed, as the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation progresses, to ensure it remains appropriate and proportionate.
"We continue to cooperate fully and unreservedly with the independent investigation being carried out by the IOPC to ensure that Marcus’ family are given the answers that they rightly want and deserve."
West Mercia Police say they also worked alongside the event organisers of the protest to ensure a safe gathering for those attending and the local community and continue to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Marcus.
Family
Marcus' parents say they "want justice" for their son and answers as to why he is dead.
His dad Anthony Meade says it's had a lasting impact on him.
"I wouldn't want anyone to go through this, it's ripped me apart," he said.
"I've never had to dig so hard to figure out how I'm going to cope with it, I'm still breaking down, I'm still crying unexpectedly.
"I'm struggling just to cope at the moment and find the strength."
His mum Deborah, who described Marcus as her "right-hand man", added: "It's hard for me because he's my son.
"I'm just taking every day as it comes, that's all I can do at the moment."
Officers had been called to the property at around 2pm that day on 24 December, following concerns for the welfare of a man.
A statement from the IOPC previously said police had attempted to negotiate with father-of-two Marcus Meade, who was in possession of a knife, for several hours.
It 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.
The police watchdog the IOPC say an investigation into Marcus' death remains ongoing.