A man has died after being shot by armed police following a five-hour negotiation on Christmas Eve.

The incident occurred yesterday evening at a property in Redditch, Worcestershire, after concerns were raised for the safety of a man with a knife.


West Midlands Ambulance Service initially called police to an address in Fownhope Close at around 2pm on Tuesday.

A police negotiator spent several hours attempting to engage with the man before the shooting occurred at approximately 7.40pm.

West Mercia Police carKnife-wielding man, 39, shot dead by police following 5-hour stand-offPA

Despite efforts to save him, the 39-year-old man was pronounced dead shortly after 8pm.

Police confirmed that no other individuals were present at the address at the time of the incident.

Assistant Chief Constable Grant Wills described the incident as “tragic” and expressed sympathy for those affected.

“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.”

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