Investigation finds police actions justified in fatal shooting of Milton Keynes man
IOPC concludes officer's use of lethal force was necessary and lawful
An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that a Thames Valley Police firearms officer's use of lethal force in a fatal shooting in Milton Keynes was justified.
David Joyce died after being shot on 1st April 2025 at Milton Keynes Central railway station.
According to the investigation, Thames Valley Police received a 999-call at 12.54pm reporting a man, identified as Mr Joyce, in possession of a gun and a knife at the station.
Armed officers arrived at the scene 10 minutes later.
Upon arriving, two firearms officers encountered Mr Joyce moving towards them and nearby members of the public while holding a knife.
Despite receiving commands to stop, Mr Joyce ran at the officers.
One officer discharged a single shot, striking Mr Joyce in the abdomen.
Officers provided immediate first aid before paramedics arrived, but Mr Joyce was pronounced dead at 1.44pm.
The investigation found no indication that any officer behaved in a way warranting disciplinary or criminal proceedings.
IOPC Director Derrick Campbell said, “This was a tragic incident which resulted in the loss of life, and our thoughts remain with Mr Joyce’s family and friends."
The investigation involved reviewing body-worn video, CCTV, dashcam footage, radio communications, and witness accounts.
The IOPC determined that officers acted lawfully, responding to reports of a man believed to be armed, and acted quickly in a rapidly evolving situation with a genuine threat to public safety.
Following the shooting, officers briefly applied handcuffs to Mr Joyce due to the perceived risk, which the investigation found was consistent with police training and national guidelines.
Complaints raised by Mr Joyce's family concerning property searches were also examined.
Though items were properly seized and recorded, the investigation noted some officers did not activate body-worn video when entering properties, which contradicts the force's policy.
This was recommended to be addressed through reflective learning.
The IOPC report and findings will be shared with HM Coroner to aid coronial proceedings, with a pre-inquest review hearing scheduled for 19th June.