Post mortem result on man shot by police

A POST-MORTEM examination into the death of Sean Fitzgerald has revealed he died from a single gun shot wound to the chest.

Mr Fitzgerald, 31, was shot during a police raid which West Midlands Police said had been intelligence-led on Friday night.

Following the death, the force referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who launched an investigation.

An update from the IOPC said their investigators were immediately sent to the scene on Burnaby Road after the shooting on Friday January 4.

The police watchdog then oversaw forensic examinations, carried out house to house enquiries, and were also present during a further search at the property on Saturday.

They confirmed that no firearms were recovered from the scene.

In a statement released by the IOPC it has also been confirmed Mr Fitzgerald was shot as he emerged from the rear of the property while other officers were gaining entry at the front.

He was pronounced dead a short time after. HM Coroner has been informed and an inquest will open today.

A spokesman for the IOPC said: “The evidence indicates the operation involved the execution of a warrant by the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) and West Midlands Police in support of a Warwickshire Police investigation.

“ROCU is a collaboration between the police forces of Staffordshire, West Midlands, West Mercia and Warwickshire to fight organised crime across the region.

“Body worn footage from a number of officers continues to be reviewed and initial witness statements will be taken from all the police officers who went to the property as part of the operation, including the officer who discharged his firearm.”

IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “My thoughts are with Mr Fitzgerald’s family and friends at what must be an incredibly difficult time for them and all involved.

“Our investigation will focus on the actions and decision-making of the officers involved at the scene and the intelligence provided for the planning and carrying out of the operation.

“At this stage, we have confirmed Mr Fitzgerald was shot once in the chest by a firearms officer.

“I would like to reassure people this is an independent investigation and we will thoroughly examine all the circumstances and report our findings.

“I would request that everyone shows patience while the investigation progresses. Our investigators have spoken to people in Burnaby Road but I would urge anyone who has information about the incident, and in particular any mobile or other footage, to come forward to assist our investigation.

“We have met Mr Fitzgerald’s family and have assured them that they will be kept updated.”

On Sunday, two men, aged 26, arrested during the raid were released by police.

They had both been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis.

West Midlands Police have now bailed one of the men and released the other under investigation while enquiries continue.