Marcus Meade’s grief-stricken family has begged for answers ever since he was shot dead by armed police in his own home in Redditch, Worcestershire, following a stand-off
Three police officers are finally being investigated after armed cops shot a dad dead in his own home — more than one year ago.
Marcus Meade’s family has been desperately searching for answers ever since armed police opened fire on Christmas Eve 2024. Now, three officers who led the firearms operation are being probed — but not the officer who shot Mr Meade, who is instead being treated as a witness as part of the watchdog’s investigation.
Relatives of Mr Meade, 39, said they cautiously welcome the decision but remain unhappy about the long delay. Marcus’s mother, Deborah Clarke, said: “We are being asked to wait, again and again, while our questions go unanswered. Every delay adds to our pain. We have lost our son, and still we do not know why.”
The Mirror found the officers returned to duty without suspension weeks after the incident in Redditch, Worcestershire. Speaking to us last year, Ms Clarke had said: “So it was alright to kill my son? It is the police why we are having to bury Marcus.” The man’s father, Anthony Meade, said: “The officers have had time to reflect and receive support, and we are left with planning a funeral.”
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But the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Watchdog (IOPC), last week said three officers with West Mercia Constabulary may have been guilty of a breach of police professional standards at the level of misconduct. IOPC said it has been in consultation with specialist firearms experts and will now investigate several factors, including if “Mr Meade’s race may have influenced police actions” and “whether Mr Meade’s mental health was appropriately considered”.
Speaking in the wake of this announcement, Marcus’s father said: “Let us be clear, Marcus was in crisis. He needed help. Instead, he was shot. We want to know who made that decision, why it was made, and how this was ever allowed to happen.”
West Mercia Police said it will cooperate fully with the probe, but confirmed no officers have been suspended following the incident. Police had been called to the address at around 2pm on Christmas Eve as concerns had been raised for Mr Meade’s welfare, who was in possession of a knife.
At around 7.40pm, several officers forced entry to the property and used “flashbang” distraction devices. Tasers were also discharged and a firearms officer fired a single shot, which hit Mr Meade in the chest. Officers provided first aid, but Mr Meade sadly died at the scene.
Speaking last week, IOPC Director, Derrick Campbell, said: “Our sympathies remain with the family and friends of Marcus Meade, who have suffered a devastating loss. We know they want answers and we are committed to ensuring our investigation is thorough and examines all the circumstances of this tragic incident.
“As well as investigating the planning and management of the operation, we will also examine whether Mr Meade’s mental health was appropriately considered, if Mr Meade’s race may have influenced police actions, and the extent to which police resources may have been a factor in decision making. We continue to investigate these matters with an open mind and conclusions on these aspects will be drawn when all our enquiries are concluded.”
“We have been keeping Mr Meade’s family regularly updated as our investigation has progressed and we will continue to do so. We have also provided updates to West Mercia Police and the coroner.”
Dad-of-two Marcus, originally from Ladywood, Birmingham, was hailed a hero after he had apprehended a teenage girl’s killer. The family man, along with other have-a-go heroes, was recognised for his bravery with an award in 2003 after he swooped to snag Inderjit Kainth. Kainth had stabbed Rosie Ross, 16, in a random attack in Birmingham city centre.
