Luton man shot by police after Taser failed
- Published
Armed officers were dispatched to Josh Pitt's Luton flat
An armed man who was holding his fiancée hostage was shot dead by the police after an attempt to Taser him failed, an inquest has heard.
Josh Pitt, 24, from Luton, shouted "I want a negotiator" and "I will kill myself" whilst holding a knife, before he was shot in the chest.
Armed officers were sent to his flat in Tracey Court, Hibbert Street, at about 14:00 GMT on 9 November 2016.
It was after a 999 call from his partner, Katherine Moore.
Josh Pitt, 24, died after being shot by armed police in Luton in November 2016
Ms Moore told the inquest at Ampthill Coroners Court, Mr Pitt had attacked her and locked her in while he went to the shops.
Coroner Ian Pears said: "The police attended fairly rapidly, but he had returned to the flat.
"Two armed offices smashed open doors to gain entry. Josh had barricaded himself in a room with Katherine.
"Josh had armed himself with kitchen knives. A Taser was fired, but the Taser was ineffective.
"Josh went to attack one of the police officers and was shot at close range with a single shot and subsequently died.
"There are disputes and differences of facts between each party."
Armed officers were sent to Tracey Court, Hibbert Street in Luton at about 14:00 GMT on 9 November 2016
The jury of six women and four men were played a 999 call Ms Moore made to the police in which she was crying and said she was scared.
She was told by a police call handler not to jump out of the window but three units were on the way, including firearms and they "we are going to bash door down to get you out".
The jury heard Mr Pitt returned to the flat before the police arrived where he was heard to shout: "I am going to kill myself" and "I want a negotiator".
Body-worn footage from an officer was shown telling Mr Pitt to repeatedly put the knife down and Ms Moore being ushered from the room before the fatal shot was fired.
The inquest continues and is due to finish on 15 January.
Correction 11 January: This story has been updated with a quote from Coroner Ian Pears to clarify that facts in the case are disputed between parties involved.