The family of a man shot dead in a police siege say their hearts are ‘broken forever.’ Dad-of-two Marcus Meade was involved in a six-hour standoff with West Mercia Police before an armed officer shot him dead at a property in Redditch on Christmas Eve.
The 39-year-old had been armed with a knife at a home on Fownhope Close. Several officers later forced entry to the property using distraction devices with several loud bangs and flashes. Birmingham-born Marcus suffered a single gunshot wound to his chest, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who are investigating the tragedy, said. Despite the best efforts of medics, he died later.
Marcus’ grieving loved ones are demanding answers surrounding the circumstances which led to his death. Marcus’ dad Anthony Meade said: “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.”
READ MORE: Dad shot dead in Christmas Eve police siege was ‘hero who apprehended girl’s killer’
READ MORE: Single gunshot from armed officer killed Redditch dad on Christmas Eve
While his mum Deborah Clarke said: “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.”
Marcus was recognised for his bravery after apprehending a teenage girl’s killer
(Image: Family handout)
A post-mortem examination took place on New Year’s Eve and toxicology tests were being progressed. IOPC investigators also attended the property on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to oversee forensic examinations and secure evidence. Through the police post-incident procedure, it has obtained initial accounts from the officers involved.
It has collated many hours of police body-worn video footage from the overall incident which it has begun to review. It said officers had carried out local inquiries at Fownhope Close and were aware of relevant doorbell footage. They continue to have contact with the coroner and will be arranging to gather more detailed accounts from relevant police officers in the near future.
Marcus’ aunts Selina and Tracy Freckleton have also said they have been left “heartbroken.” While his uncle Mark Freckleton added: “We have been left now suffering forever.”
(Image: PA)
The family are being supported by campaigner Bishop Dr. Desmond Jaddoo MBE, who said: “There is a simple question here and that is why Marcus is not with his family, who have started 2025 having to identify him in a mortuary following the actions of West Mercia Police. Marcus was a father, a son, a brother, a nephew, an uncle and much more.
“Yet again this is a tragic incident which has resulted in the death of a person of colour following the direct actions of West Mercia Police, for which the family and the community demand a timely, open and transparent investigation as to why Marcus is no longer with us.”
Marcus was recognised for his bravery with a Birmingham Post and Mail Local Hero award in 2003. It comes after Marcus and two other passers-by apprehended killer Inderjit Kainth. He had stabbed 16-year-old Rosie Ross in a random attack as she sunbathed with a friend in Centenary Square in May 2001. Kainth, from Handsworth, later pleaded guilty to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility and was detained indefinitely at a top security hospital.
A forensic investigator at the scene on Fownhope Close in Redditch.
(Image: PA)
IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “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.”
A crowdfunder to raise funds for Marcus’ funeral – with a target of £12,000 – has been set up. To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.