Misconduct inquiry after man shot dead by police

Three police officers are being investigated after a man was shot dead at his home on Christmas Eve.

Marcus Meade, 39, died on 24 December 2024, after a five-hour stand-off with West Mercia Police officers at the house on Fownhope Close, Redditch.

The officers, who led the firearms operation, are under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for potential misconduct around the planning and management of the operation.

The force said it would fully co-operate with the IOPC, but after a suspension review no officers were taken off duty. The IOPC confirmed the officers involved in the stand-off, including the one who fired the fatal shot, are not subject to the inquiry.

The IOPC added that those armed officers involved in the operation itself continue to be treated as witnesses.

"There is no indication at this stage that they may have behaved in a manner that would warrant disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence," a spokesperson said.

In the hours after the shooting, West Mercia Police said it had initially responded to a welfare concern report about father-of-two Meade, originally from Birmingham, but also that he was armed with a knife.

Meade's parents, Anthony Meade and Deborah Clarke, have repeatedly called for answers following their son's death and said their lives had been "destroyed".

Meade was hit in the chest by a single bullet, after officers were called to the address to reports of a concern for his welfare.

The IOPC said officers had tried to negotiate with him, and had used distraction devices and at least one Taser before the fatal shot was fired.

Officers attempted first aid, but Meade died at the scene.

Derrick Campbell, IOPC director, said it was keeping his family regularly updated as the investigation progressed.

The police watchdog said it would also examine if Meade's mental health was considered and if his race had influenced police actions.

The decision to investigate the officers' conduct comes after consultation with specialist firearms experts, it added.

"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," Campbell said.

"We continue to investigate these matters with an open mind and conclusions on these aspects will be drawn when all our enquiries are concluded."

Grant Wills, Assistant Chief Constable at West Mercia Police added: "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."

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