WIREDGOV

Our investigation is progressing after a man was fatally shot by West Midlands Police in Lee Bank, Birmingham recently (Friday).

We have established that during an intelligence-led operation concerning possession of firearms, police officers with an arrest warrant attended a flat in Wheeleys Lane at around 5 am.

After police had entered the property, a 52 year-old man, Trevor Alton Smith, was shot by an armed officer within the flat. Officers attempted resuscitation and an ambulance attended, but Mr Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

We have so far verified that one officer fired one shot. No-one else was present in the flat. A non-police issue firearm was recovered from the property.

After being notified by West Midlands Police, our investigators were sent to the scene to gather evidence and oversee forensic examinations. We also attended the post incident procedures where officers involved have provided their initial accounts.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “We have made contact with Mr Smith’s family to explain our role and I send them my condolences for their loss, and my thoughts are with everyone affected. We are at an early stage of our investigation and will be reviewing body-worn video footage from the officers involved as part of our enquiries. I can assure people we will carefully examine the circumstances of the shooting along with what planning went into the police operation. I would ask everyone for patience while a thorough investigation is carried out.”

The family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

For media enquiries please call the IOPC press office on 02920-266317 or 07717-851157.