Family criticises delay in police shooting inquiry

The family of a man who died after a stand-off with armed officers at his home on Christmas Eve in 2024 have criticised the length of time an investigation into his death is taking.

Marcus Meade was shot after a five-hour incident on Fownhope Close in Redditch, Worcestershire.

Supporters said they were led to believe the inquiry would be completed in eight months, but the BBC has been told one of the West Mercia Police officers identified during the investigation is yet to be interviewed.

The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) said it had received written statements from two officers, and it was trying to arrange a date to speak to the third to get "additional detailed information".

Family spokesman Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo said the "repeated delays" had caused "enormous additional distress".

He said the family had expected interviews with the three officers identified in the inquiry to have been conducted by last month, but the completion of the process had now been delayed until October.

Marcus's parents Anthony Meade and Deborah Clarke had already expressed dissatisfaction that no officers had been suspended pending the investigation.

"The family are angry, frustrated and deeply disappointed, Jaddoo said. "Nearly two years have passed since Marcus was killed, and we are still waiting for answers."

Derrick Campbell, the IOPC's director of engagement, said the organisation had been liaising with the force and representatives of the officers to obtain their accounts.

"We announced in March that three West Mercia Police officers were to be investigated over their planning and management of the firearms operation during which Mr Meade was fatally shot," he said.

"In June and then August we received written statements - accounts that were provided by two of the officers - in response to the allegations made against them.

"However, we decided it was appropriate to interview the other officer as we required additional, detailed information."

He added no date was provided by the officer's representatives, but the IOPC wanted to "identify an interview date as soon as possible".

"Our sympathies remain with the family and friends of Marcus Meade. We know they want answers and we are committed to ensuring our investigation is thorough and examines all the circumstances of this tragic incident."

Questioning why the inquiry had not yet concluded, Jaddoo said: "We are not making accusations without evidence. What we are demanding is transparency."

He added: "Time matters. As time passes, memories can fade, recollections can become less reliable and evidence can become more difficult to establish.

"That is precisely why investigations of this nature must be conducted thoroughly but also without unnecessary delay."

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