Man, 39, shot dead by armed police in Redditch on Christmas Eve

Officers were called to an address after reports of a knife-wielding man, police say

Police at the scene on Fownhope Close in Redditch, Worcestershire, where a 39-year-old man was shot by armed police on Christmas Eve. (PA)

A 39-year-old was shot dead by armed police after a five hour stand-off in Redditch on Christmas Eve.

Police officers were called to an address in Fownhope Close at around 2pm after “significant concerns were raised” about the safety of a man in possession of a knife.

A police negotiator was called and officers attempted to resolve the situation by engaging with the man over several hours, West Mercia Police said.

However their efforts failed and, at an around 7:40pm, the man was shot by armed police.

The 39-year-old, who was the only person at the address at the time, was pronounced dead just after 8pm.

Fownhope Close in Redditch where the 39-year-old man was shot (Google Maps)

Police said they were called to the address “after significant concerns were raised for the safety of a man who was in possession of a knife.”

They added: “A police negotiator responded, and attempts were made to resolve the situation by engaging with the man over several hours but, at approximately 7.40pm, a 39-year-old man was shot by armed police.

A forensic investigator at the scene on Fownhope Close in Redditch (PA)

“Despite best efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead just after 8pm. No one else was in the address at the time.”

West Mercia Police have now referred themselves to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), which is normal procedure after a police shooting.

The force said attempts were made over ‘several hours’ to deal with the incident but the man was shot at around 7.40pm. (PA)

Assistant chief constable Grant Wills said: “This a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with everyone affected at this difficult time.

“We do not underestimate the shock and concern this may cause the local community and I want to reassure residents that we are following all appropriate procedures, this included making an immediate referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is mandatory and right.

The man was pronounced dead just after 8pm after a stand-off at Fownhope Close (pictured) (Google Maps)

“We will support their investigation, which will include providing all information we hold, including body worn camera footage.”

Confirming a referral had been made, an IOPC spokesman said: “We can confirm we have begun an independent investigation following an incident at an address in Fownhope Close, Redditch, at around 7.40pm yesterday in which a man was shot by police and sadly pronounced dead soon after.

A forensic investigator inside a property at Fownhope Close in Redditch, Worcestershire, where a 39-year-old man was shot by armed police on Christmas Eve. (PA)

“After being informed of the incident by West Mercia Police, we sent investigators to the scene... to begin our inquiries and start gathering evidence.

“Our investigation is in its very early stages.”