Birmingham police shooting: Man shot dead by armed officers in early morning operation

Death referred to police watchdog

A man has been shot dead by armed police during a dawn raid in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police said a warrant was executed as part of an “intelligence-led operation” in the Lee Bank area of the city just before 5am on Friday.

A statement issued by the force said: “A man, in his 50s, was shot and died a short time later at the scene.”

It said video from the body cameras worn by officers involved in the operation had been downloaded and the case had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The force added that the area surrounding the scene had been cordoned off.

A local resident told Birmingham Live the entire block of flats was on “lockdown” following the shooting.

“No-one was allowed in or out for the first half hour I was standing here watching,” he said.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said it was called to reports of a gunshot at 5.04am.

One ambulance, two paramedic officers and a trauma doctor were sent to the scene.

A spokesperson said: “On arrival, crews discovered a man in cardiac arrest.

“CPR was already being performed, which ambulance staff took over and also administered advanced life support.

“However, despite everyone’s best efforts it sadly became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said he was monitoring the situation “extremely closely”.

“Early this morning there was an intelligence-led operation in Lee Bank just before 5am,” he said. “A man in his 50s was shot and died at the scene.

“I scrutinise the police use of force very closely. Officers involved in this incident were wearing body worn cameras and that footage is being reviewed.

“I can also confirm the matter has been referred to the police watchdog – the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”

It comes two months after police shot and killed an unarmed man during a pre-planned raid in Coventry.

The actions of the police officer who shot Sean Fitzgerald are also being investigated by the IOPC.