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

A knife-wielding man was shot dead by armed police in Redditch on Christmas Eve after “several hours” of negotiations, police said.

West Mercia Police were called to a property in Fownhope Close, Redditch, at around 2pm on Tuesday to reports of a man with a knife.

Police negotiators arrived on the scene Worcestershire and “attempts were made to resolve the situation by keeping the man occupied for several hours.”

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating, said Tasers are believed to have been fired during the incident and the man was subsequently shot by armed police at 7.40pm.

He was pronounced dead just after 8 p.m.

West Mercia Police added that no one else was in the property at the time.

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Forensic teams have been to the property in Redditch. Photo: PA

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A researcher works in the building, with a tribute in the window. Photo: PA

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident,” said IOPC Operations Director Steve Noonan.

“Given that a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all circumstances surrounding this incident, including the actions and decisions made by officers,” he added.

In a statement, the IOPC said the man’s family had been contacted “to express our condolences and explain our involvement”.

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Police have cordoned off part of Fownhope Close in Redditch. Photo: PA

The IOPC also said it had seized a knife from the property and would examine police weapons and body-worn camera footage.

The officers involved have provided initial accounts of what happened.

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Photo: PA

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West Mercia Police Assistant Chief Constable Grant Willis described it as a ‘tragic incident’ and added that they would support the IOPC investigation.

“We do not underestimate the shock and concern this may cause to the local community and I would like to reassure residents that we are following all appropriate procedures,” he said.