Sean Fitzgerald shooting: Police officer under investigation after killing unarmed man during raid in Coventry

All police officers involved are currently being treated as witnesses

The actions of a police officer who shot an unarmed man dead during a raid in Coventry are under investigation, an inquest has heard.

West Midlands Police officers stormed the home of former soldier Sean Fitzgerald during a pre-planned operation on 4 January.

The opening of an inquest into the 31-year-old’s death heard that he died of a single gunshot wound.

No firearm was recovered from the scene of the shooting, where two 26-year-old men were arrested and later released.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the incident, which is expected to conclude in June.

All police officers involved are currently being treated as witnesses.

Andrew Beech, who is leading the IOPC inquiry, told the five-minute hearing on Thursday that the inquiry will look at the “decisions and actions of the police officer who fired the shot”.

It will also investigate the “intelligence and operational planning” before the raid, Mr Beech added.

He told the hearing in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, that police went to the house with a Section 8 search warrant.

Mr Beech said: “The officers got to the address and began to force entry. Mr Fitzgerald ran out of the back of the premises and was shot and fatally wounded by an armed officer who was covering the rear of the house.”

Floral tributes are left at a house on Burnaby Road in Coventry during a vigil, after police fatally shot a man during an "intelligence-led" operation on Friday (PAAaron Chown/PA ) (PAAaron Chown/PA)

Mr Fitzgerald died shortly afterwards and the case was referred to the IOPC, he told the court, adding: “My colleagues went through the police post incident process. They went to the scene, they went to the hospital and they also met with Mr Fitzgerald's family.“

A liaison officer remains in touch with the man’s relatives he said, adding that the investigation is still in its early stages.

Body-worn footage from police officers is being reviewed and witness statements have been taken.

The coroner, Sean McGovern, adjourned the inquest and told Mr Fitzgerald’s family: "I know it's been a shocking thing that's happened."

Police detained two 26-year-olds on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis during the raid. One has been bailed and the second released under investigation.

The IOPC previously said the operation was mounted by the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit in support of a Warwickshire Police investigation.

The watchdog has called for people living in Burnaby Road and anyone else with information to assist the investigation.

Earlier this week, IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “My thoughts are with Mr Fitzgerald's family and friends at what must be an incredibly difficult time for them and all involved.

“I would like to reassure people this is an independent investigation and we will thoroughly examine all the circumstances and report our findings.”

Friends suggested Mr Fitzgerald was shot in the back, but police and the IOPC have denied the claims.

Tributes have been left near Mr Fitzgerald’s home, and friends described the former soldier as a “very good guy”.

One friend, who gave his name as Ali, said he believed his friend presented "no threat or danger" and added: "He's served for all of us - the police, everybody - in the Army up until last year."

Friend Jayson Moore said: "Sean was a completely thoughtful bloke. He spent his whole Christmas day building trampolines and playing with the kids. He did not deserve to die."

A family member wrote online that she was ”absolutely gutted“ by the death of Mr Fitzgerald, who another friend described as "one of a kind" who "would be there for anyone".

Additional reporting by PA