A 39-year-old man has been shot dead by armed police in Redditch, Worcestershire, West Mercia Police have said.

A five-hour stand off ended with the man pronounced dead shortly before 8pm on Christmas Eve. Officers had been called by West Midlands Ambulance Service to an address in Redditch, Worcestershire, at around 2pm after concerns were raised for the safety of a man with a knife. The force said attempts were made over “several hours” to deal with the incident, but the man was shot dead at around 7.40pm.

Despite efforts from the emergency services he was pronounced dead shortly before 8pm. The force has now been referred to the police watchdog, the IOPC.

Assistant Chief Constable Grant Wills said: “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.

The block of flats in Redditch ( 
Image:
PA)

“We will support their investigation, which will include providing all information we hold, including body-worn camera footage.”

The force said there was no-one else was in the property at the time.