Firearms officers acted ‘appropriately’ during fatal shooting

Armed officers from Thames Valley Police had responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a property in Denmead, Two Mile Ash, on June 26, 2021, at around 9.40am.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said its investigation established that two armed officers forced entry into the flat and immediately came across a dead body, subsequently identified as neighbour Richard Woodcock.

They were then confronted by Kelvin Igweani and a Taser was discharged, but was ineffective. Mr Igweani then moved to another room with a young child and barricaded himself inside.

Because of noises coming from the room the officers had reason to believe that he was harming the child, the IOPC said.

It added: “They forced entry and the door fell backwards into the room causing a large wardrobe to fall on top of Mr Igweani and the child.

“He then moved towards the officers with his arm raised. One officer fired four shots, with two hitting Mr Igweani. The officer who fired the shots stated they believed he had a knife in his hand.”

Mr Igweani, 24, was given first aid but was pronounced dead at 10.33am.

The child was taken to hospital with wounds to the left side of the head, a fracture to the left eye socket and swelling, bruising and a fracture to the left side of the skull. The IOPC said the child has since made a full recovery.

In April last year, an inquest into Mr Woodcock’s death concluded that he had been unlawfully killed.

The IOPC said: “We looked at the force used by officers, including the discharge of a firearm, [and found it] was reasonable and necessary in the circumstances to prevent further harm to the child and we found no indication that any of the officers involved behaved in a way that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or had committed a criminal offence.

“Blood pattern analysis showed the child was punched by Mr Igweani and struck, possibly with part of a wardrobe which was broken while he held the child hostage.

“All of the firearms officers were treated as witnesses throughout our investigation, which concluded in March 2022.

“Our final report was shared with HM Coroner to assist the coronial process.”

At Milton Keynes Coroner’s Court on Wednesday (April 19), a jury returned a conclusion of lawful killing.

IOPC regional director, Mel Palmer, said: “I send my condolences to everyone affected by this tragic incident.

“The evidence shows the officers perceived there to be an immediate threat to life as they had seen the body of Mr Woodcock when they entered the property and heard the cries of a distressed child in another room.

“The officers, who were presented with a traumatic and distressing situation, acted swiftly to gain entry to the room to prevent further injury to the child. We found the decision to shoot Mr Igweani was necessary, proportionate and reasonable in those circumstances.

“After the shots were fired, all of the firearms officers and other police who attended immediately attempted to save Mr Igweani’s life.”

The IOPC said it also examined concerns raised about Mr Igweani’s wellbeing prior to June 26, 2021, explaining: “Four days earlier, his family contacted West Midlands Police with concerns about his mental health. They were encouraged to seek medical help, which we found was an appropriate response.”

A complaint was also made by the family concerning Thames Valley Police’s scene management following the incident, but the IOPC said it found management of the scene “was appropriate”.

It added: “During our investigation, we analysed a large volume of evidence including body-worn video, 999 recordings, a blood pattern analysis report, a ballistics report, and forensic evidence. We also conducted interviews with relevant police officers and witnesses and examined relevant Thames Valley Police policies and procedures regarding the use of firearms and Taser.”