Family demand answers as vigil held for man shot dead by police on Christmas Eve
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A vigil has been held for a father-of-two killed by police on Christmas Eve as his family question why police opened fire and say racism could be a factor. Marcus Meade, 39, was killed after a five-hour stand off with West Mercia police officers at a property in Redditch, Worcestershire.
He had a knife, but his family say he was alone at the time and wasn't a danger. Well over 100 people were at Tuesday evening's vigil, held outside the flat where he was shot. Candles spelling out his name were lit and flowers laid as his parents spoke movingly of their love for their son and their shock at his death.
"This is the kind of stuff that you hear about in America. This is not the kind of stuff we have in Birmingham," his father Anthony told Sky News. "The only person Marcus would hurt is himself. He wouldn't hurt anybody else - never," added his mother Deborah Clarke.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating. In a statement, it said: "Officers forced entry to the property using distraction devices. Each device generates several loud bangs and flashes. "At least one Taser was then discharged, and a firearms officer fired a single shot which hit Mr Meade in the chest.".
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said it would "not be appropriate for us to comment further while this [IOPC] investigation is ongoing. However, we will do so when we are able". Mr Meade died at the scene - and his father questions why police acted as they did.
