Police officers to be investigated for misconduct over fatal shooting
Three West Mercia police officers are being investigated by the IOPC for their part in a firearms operation in which Marcus Meade was fatally shot.
Last updated 27th Mar 2026
West Mercia Police officers who led the firearms operation in which a man was fatally shot, are being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The investigation will focus on the planning and management of the operation that took place on Christmas Eve 2024. 39-year-old Marcus Meade from Redditch, was shot by police following several hours of negotiations, at a property on Fownhope Close.
Police had been called to the address at around 2pm as concerns had been raised for Mr Meade’s welfare, who was in possession of a knife.
At around 7.40pm, several officers forced entry to the property and used ‘flashbang’ distraction devices. Tasers were also discharged and a firearms officer fired a single shot, which hit Meade in the chest. Officers provided first aid, but he died at the scene.
According to the IOPC, they have identified three officers for potential misconduct. These three managed the strategic and tactical planning of the operation. The IOPC's decision to investigate the officer's conduct comes after consultation with specialist firearms experts from the College of Policing and Avon and Somerset Police.
They say the misconduct notices will be kept under review and do not necessarily mean that any disciplinary proceedings will follow.
All other armed officers who were involved in the operation, including the officer who shot Marcus Meade, continue to be treated as witnesses by the IOPC. They say that there is no indication at this stage that those officers may have behaved in a manner that would warrant disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence.
IOPC Director, Derrick Campbell, said: “Our sympathies remain with the family and friends of Marcus Meade, who have suffered a devastating loss. We know they want answers and we are committed to ensuring our investigation is thorough and examines all the circumstances of this tragic incident."
“As well as investigating the planning and management of the operation, we will also examine whether Mr Meade’s mental health was appropriately considered, if Mr Meade’s race may have influenced police actions, and the extent to which police resources may have been a factor in decision making. We continue to investigate these matters with an open mind and conclusions on these aspects will be drawn when all our enquiries are concluded.”
“We have been keeping Mr Meade’s family regularly updated as our investigation has progressed and we will continue to do so. We have also provided updates to West Mercia Police and the coroner.”
The Assistant Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, Grant Wills, said: "Our thoughts and condolences remain with the family of Marcus Meade and all those who have been affected by Marcus' tragic death."
"We continue to cooperate fully with the IOPC and their independent investigation. It is vital that this progresses without prejudice so it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time."
The force says a suspension review has taken place and no officers have been suspended.