Family’s plea after hero dad shot dead by police on Christmas Eve | UK | News

the heartbroken parents of a father killed by police during a Christmas Eve stand-off at his home are demanding answers. Marcus Meade, 39, was shot after armed officers responded to calls about a man with mental health issues in Redditch, Worcestershire.

Despite five hours of negotiation, the situation ended with the use of a taser and fatal gunfire while Marcus was alone, a detail confirmed by police. His mother, Deborah Clarke, said with anguish, “I want to know what happened to my son, I want to know why they thought it was ok to do what they did to my son. I want answers and I want justice for my son.”

The family learned about Marcus’s death through social media and local rumours, which deepened their distress. They expect full accountability from West Mercia Police, now under scrutiny by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

With tears, Anthony Meade recalled the nightmarish incident: “Christmas is meant to be a time for loving, sharing and caring and to hear of 13 tactical explosions, a taser and a bullet being delivered into my son’s chest, makes it difficult for us as a family to celebrate Christmas ever again. I need to know why my baby boy is dead.”

Marcus, a valiant family man and father of two, was posthumously acclaimed as a hero for his actions in capturing a teenage girl’s murderer in Birmingham city centre. His courageous intervention in 2003 won him honours when he caught Inderjit Kainth, who fatally stabbed 16 year old Rosie Ross, reports The Mirror.

Following the tragic death of Mr Meade, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has analysed police bodycam footage and conducted local inquiries in Redditch. It is believed that the police were summoned by paramedics who found Marcus in distress due to mental health issues.

His aunt Selina Freckleton lamented: “My nephew Marcus was sadly and unjustifiably taken away from all of us. We must get justice for Marcus.” Uncle Mark echoed the heartache, saying: “We have been left now suffering forever.”

The tragedy deepened as distraught family members identified Marcus’s body in a mortuary after he passed away at his home. The Winyates West community in Redditch, together with his aggrieved relatives, are insisting that West Mercia Police conduct “a timely, open and transparent investigation” into his death.

The force has affirmed its cooperation with the ongoing investigation since it self-referred to the watchdog on December 24th. They have reassured that all proper procedures are being followed.

Assistant Chief Constable Grant Wills had emphasised at the 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. We will support their investigation, which will include providing all information we hold, including body-worn camera footage.”

Meanwhile, IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell conveyed his profound sympathies to Mr Meade’s family and assured the public, stating: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Meade’s family, and everyone affected by his death. We are working hard to piece together all the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and we want to reassure the community that our investigation, which is still in its early stages, will be thorough and guided by the evidence we find.

“We are meeting with Mr Meade’s family to again offer our sincere condolences and to outline how our investigation will progress. We will provide them with regular updates as our enquiries continue.

“We have established that while police used distraction techniques causing several bangs and flashes on entering the property, there was one shot fired by an armed officer. We will continue to carefully review the considerable volume of police body-worn footage we have collated.

“Our investigation will examine the police strategy and tactics throughout the overall incident and officers’ actions and decision-making including any risk assessments of the situation, and whether relevant policies and procedures were followed.”

Samaritans operate a helpline available 24/7, 365 days a year, at 116 123. They can also be reached via email at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to locate your nearest branch.