Family of man shot dead by police on Christmas Eve in Redditch will 'not stop demanding for justice'
A demonstration is being held in Birmingham later today (5 July) to continue their call for West Mercia Police to immediately suspend the officer who fired the shot
The family of a man shot dead by police on Christmas Eve in Redditch say they will keep demanding for answers over why he was killed.
39-year-old Marcus Meade, originally from Birmingham, was pronounced dead at an address in Fownhope Close at around 8pm on 24 December.
The police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) say an investigation into Marcus' death remains ongoing.
So far in a previous statement it said it had established officers had been called to the property at around 2pm that day following concerns for the welfare of a man.
West Mercia Police then attempted to negotiate with father-of-two Marcus Meade, who was in possession of a knife, for several hours.
At around 7.40pm, several officers forced entry to the property using distraction devices which generated several loud bangs and flashes before a single shot was then fired, hitting Marcus in the chest.
Officers carried out immediate first aid, but he died at the scene a short time later.
A demonstration is being held in Birmingham later today (5 July) to continue the family's call for West Mercia Police to immediately suspend the officer who fired the shot.
Family spokesperson Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo MBE says Marcus' death has had a lasting impact on his parents and they will keep on with their demands for justice.
"One of the important things of this is to ensure that what happened on Christmas Eve is not forgotten during the IOPC investigation," he said.
"Marcus' father Tony has been emotionally scarred by this and as for his mother Deborah, Marcus is her first son, they've just had to go through Christmas as well Mother's Day and Father's Day so there are constant reminders of what happened to Marcus.
"We're seeking for the firearms officer who shot Marcus to be suspended."
In a previous statement, West Mercia Police said the officers involved "have not been suspended" and "after a period of reflection, have returned to duty."
West Midlands Police said they are aware of a planned protest due to take place and were working with the event organisers to ensure a safe gathering for everyone.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police added: "We continue to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Marcus Meade, our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
"The Independent Office for Police Conduct continues to carry out an independent investigation and it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time; however, we will do so when we are able."