A candlelit vigil has been planned in memory of a dad who was shot dead in a police siege. Marcus Meade died after a standoff with armed West Mercia Police officers at his home, in Redditch, on Christmas Eve, last year.
The 39-year-old, who himself had been armed with a knife, was involved in the siege over six-hours. Police later stormed the property and he suffered a single fatal gunshot wound to his chest.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Now a candlelight vigil is planned next week – to mark four-weeks since Marcus died.
READ MORE: Dad shot dead in Christmas Eve police siege was ‘hero who apprehended girl’s killer’
The Meade family is asking the community to turn out and support them as they remember Marcus – who was once given a bravery award after he helped apprehend a teenage girl’s killer. Local campaigner Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo MBE said: “This is an opportunity for the local community, friends of Marcus and importantly, the family to come together in order to commemorate and demonstrate what Marcus meant to everyone.
Officers at the scene
(Image: PA)
“This is not the way anyone wanted to start a new year; however, we are here and we must do what is right as we would urge all parties to ensure that they cooperate with the IOPC investigation in to the circumstances surrounding the death of Marcus.
“The family of Marcus trust that this will be an open transparent investigation to provide the answers that the family require, it’s a simple one, why is Marcus dead?” The candlelight vigil will be held between 6pm and 7pm on Tuesday, January 21.
Marcus’ loved ones said he was one of the “kindest souls you could ever meet” and “his bravery and selflessness were unparalleled.” A crowdfunder to raise funds for his funeral – with a target of £12,000 – has been set up. It has already raised more than £7,000.