Parents' suspension calls after son shot by police

The parents of a man who died at his home after a stand-off with police have said the officer who fired the fatal shot should have "been suspended" while an investigation took place.

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

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said on Friday three police officers who led the firearms operation were under investigation.

But it said armed officers in the operation were being treated as witnesses as there was "no indication at this stage that they may have behaved in a manner that would warrant disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence".

Meade's parents, who live in Birmingham, said the officer who fired the fatal shot should have been suspended as part of the inquiry.

His mother, Deborah Clarke, said the officer should have been "suspended straight away".

Anthony Meade, Marcus's father, added: "It should have been standard procedure to take that officer away from his job just for a while, while they investigate."

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

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

Describing the fallout of Marcus's death, Mr Meade described it as a "nightmare".

"It's been nights of not sleeping, not eating, it's just been horrendous," he said.

Meade said he had lost about three stone (19kg) since Marcus died.

Clarke added: "I just feel like we haven't got any further forward, we're still in limbo and we're not able to go forward with anything.

"I want answers and I just feel like those answers haven't been rectified."

She said: "As a family it has destroyed us, well it's destroyed me."

West Mercia Police said it would fully co-operate with the IOPC but confirmed after a suspension review no officers had been taken off duty.

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

But the IOPC stated the officers involved in the stand-off, including the one who fired the fatal shot, were not subject to the inquiry. Those armed officers involved in the operation itself continue to be treated as witnesses, it said.

"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," an IOPC spokesperson said.

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