Marcus Mead dies after being shot in chest [Family]
Protesters supporting the family of a man shot dead by police on Christmas Eve gathered outside police headquarters and called for action against the officers involved.
A year ago, father-of-two Marcus Mead was killed after a five-hour standoff after police entered his flat in Redditch, Worcestershire.
The 39-year-old man, from Birmingham, is believed to be alone and suffering from mental health problems after being shot in the chest.
West Mercia Police said the police watchdog was investigating and could not comment. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said its investigation was at an advanced stage and it was considering next steps.
Last week, Mr Mead’s parents, Anthony Mead and Deborah Clark, who live in Birmingham, said their lives had been ruined.
Ms Clark said the family was still waiting for answers, adding that unless police “are held accountable for what they did, justice will never be served”.
They submitted a petition with more than 2,100 signatures calling on the police chief to suspend or resign the officer who fired the fatal shot.
Protesters outside West Mercia Police headquarters as the petition was handed down [BBC]
Protesters gathered at force headquarters on Monday after the petition was handed in.
Activists said they remained concerned that the officer who fired the weapon continued to carry a gun while the investigation was ongoing.
Speaking at the protest, Mr Mead’s aunt Selina Freckleton said: “To them he may be a statistic but he is a human being and he is family.
“Marcus is my nephew. He’s someone’s son, he’s someone’s father, he’s someone’s friend, and we deserve answers.”
Selina Freckleton says Marcus Meade is family and they deserve answers [BBC]
An IOPC spokesman said: “Our investigation is at an advanced stage and extensive work has already been carried out.
“We have recently received expert reports analyzing the planning and execution of the firearms operation and its tactical implementation and we are now considering next steps.”
He said the regulator “very rightly understands the family and seeks answers to how events unfolded” and the IOPC is committed to ensuring a robust and thorough investigation.
West Mercia Police said in a statement: “The IOPC’s independent investigation is continuing and it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.”
Marcus Meade’s parents say their lives have been ruined [BBC]
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