Family wants answers after police shooting death

Marcus Meade was born in Birmingham and moved to Fownhope Close in Redditch

The family of Marcus Meade, killed by armed police on Christmas Eve, have said they want answers about his death.

The 39-year-old father-of-two died at a property in Redditch, Worcestershire, following a five-hour stand off with police.

Officers used distraction devices and at least one Taser before the fatal shot was fired, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said. Police had tried to negotiate with Mr Meade, who had a knife, it added.

Family spokesman Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo called it another incident which resulted in the death of a person of colour following the direct actions of West Mercia Police.

Dalian Atkinson, a former Aston Villa and Ipswich Town footballer, died after being tasered and beaten by a West Mercia Police officer in Telford, Shropshire, in 2016.

Benjamin Monk, who tasered Mr Atkinson to the ground and kicked him in the head, was jailed for eight years for manslaughter.

Anthony Meade, Marcus's father, said Christmas was "meant to be a time for loving, sharing and caring".

He added "to hear of 13 tactical explosions, a taser and a bullet being delivered into my son's chest, makes it difficult for us as a family to celebrate Christmas ever again".

Marcus Meade was shot once in the chest, investigators have said

"I want to know why they thought it was ok to do what they did to my son," his mother, Deborah Clarke, said.

"I want answers and I want justice for my son."

Birmingham-born Marcus Meade died in Fownhope Close at about 20:00 GMT.

Officers were called to the house at about 14:00 GMT and tried to negotiate with Mr Meade, who was in possession of a knife.

At about 19:40, they broke into the home and used devices which generated several loud bangs and flashes in a bid to distract him.

A single shot was later fired, hitting Mr Meade in the chest. Officers attempted immediate first aid, the IOPC said.

Father Anthony Meade said he needed to know why "my baby boy is dead" (image of Marcus Meade above)

Marcus Meade's family are being supported by Mr Jaddoo.

"Yet again this is a tragic incident which has resulted in the death of a person of colour following the direct actions of West Mercia Police, for which the family and the community demand a timely, open and transparent investigation as to why Marcus is no longer with us," he said.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said the IOPC was carrying out an independent investigation and "it would therefore not be appropriate for us comment further" while this was ongoing.

"However, we will do so when we are able."

The watchdog has said West Mercia Police had been called over concerns for his welfare and tried to negotiate with Mr Meade before storming the house.