A man has been shot dead by police following a five-hour stand off on Christmas Eve.
The 39-year-old man pronounced dead shortly before 8pm on December 24 after cops were called to the scene in Redditch, Worcestershire. Emergency services raced to an address in the town at around 2pm after concerns were raised for the safety of a man with a knife.
As reported by the Mirror, police said attempts were made over “several hours” to deal with the incident, but the man was shot dead at around 7.40pm. Despite efforts from the emergency services he was pronounced dead at the scene. The force has now been referred to the police watchdog, the IOPC.
Assistant Chief Constable Grant Wills said: “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.
“We will support their investigation, which will include providing all information we hold, including body-worn camera footage.” Police said there was no-one else was in the property at the time.
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