Family of Redditch man killed in fatal police shooting on Christmas Eve demanding 'answers'
39-year-old Marcus Meade was pronounced dead at an address in Fownhope Close at around 8pm on 24 December.
Last updated 8th Jan 2025
The family of a man killed on Christmas Eve in a fatal police shooting in Redditch say they want answers about what happened to their son.
39-year-old Marcus Meade was hit in the chest by a single bullet fired by a West Mercia Police firearms officer on 24 December.
Officers say they had been called to the property at around 2pm that day, following concerns for the welfare of a man.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are investigating the incident in Fownhope Close which left Mr Meade, a father-of-two originally from Birmingham, dead.
A spokesperson for the IOPC said last week police attempted to negotiate with Mr Meade, who was in possession of a knife, for several hours.
They also say they established that at around 7.40pm, several officers forced entry to the property using distraction devices which generated several loud bangs and flashes, and at least one Taser was discharged.
A single shot was then fired, hitting Mr Meade, with officers carrying out immediate first aid, but he died at the scene a short time later.
In a statement released through Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo, Mr Meade's parents Anthony Meade and Deborah Clarke said they want to know what happened to their son.
Ms Clarke said: "I want to know what happened to my son, I want to know why they thought it was ok to do what they did.
"I want answers and I want justice for my son."
Anthony Meade added Christmas is meant to be "a time for loving, sharing and caring", and it would be "difficult for us as a family to celebrate Christmas ever again."
The IOPC said they have collated a "considerable volume" of police body-worn video footage, are carrying out local inquiries and are in the process of gathering detailed accounts from relevant officers.
Regional director Derrick Campbell said: "We are working hard to piece together all the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
"We want to reassure the community that our investigation, which is still in its early stages, will be thorough and guided by the evidence we find."
After referring themselves to the IOPC, West Mercia Police said the force would not be able to comment further, but said in a statement released on Christmas Day that they were supporting the investigation.