This article is more than 7 months old

This article is more than 7 months old

An ex-serviceman has been shot dead by police officers during a “pre-planned” raid on a house in Coventry.

Sean Fitzgerald, 31, died during an intelligence-led operation on Friday evening in the north of the city.

At about 1pm on Saturday, police said they could not confirm whether a gun was found at the scene because the police watchdog was investigating. Later however, West Midlands police confirmed they were yet to find a firearm, adding that a search was ongoing.

A friend said Fitzgerald had served in the British army until recently. Another claimed Fitzgerald was shot in the back as he tried to escape armed officers, although police denied this at a press conference on Saturday evening.

Asked about the claims, assistant chief constable Sue Southern said: “From the information I have at this point, that is not my understanding.

“Body-worn video has been examined and there will be a full forensic postmortem, and the findings of that will form part of the independent IOPC investigation.”

Police arrested two other 26-year-old men at the scene of the shooting on suspicion of involvement in the production of cannabis following a “long-running criminal investigation”. They have been remanded in custody.

The police watchdog is investigating the shooting with officials from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) seeking to examine footage from officers’ body cameras and local CCTV.

Fitzgerald’s friend Cory Brown, a 28-year-old construction worker, said he considered the response extremely disproportionate.

West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) Here's our latest update following the fatal police shooting of a man in #Coventry last night. We continue to assist @policeconduct, which is independently investigating the circumstances. More details: https://t.co/ejSFlHeC41 pic.twitter.com/rddVHzAD9r

Witnesses on Burnaby Road, a largely residential street where the shooting occurred, described seeing 17 police cars and armed officers at the house as the street was closed.

Ali, a friend of Fitzgerald, told BBC News that he had “a heart of gold” and would “go out of his way for anyone”.

“No matter how nice or how bad a guy is, nobody deserves to be killed,” Ali said.

Fire engineer Karl Lolley, a father-of-two who lives within the area cordoned off by police, said that he heard “four or five” gunshots after witnessing officers approach the home.

“I saw three or four armed police cars turn up. Five to six armed officers got out and they went in the front door. There was some gunshots,” the 39-year-old told the Press Association.

IOPC’s regional director, Amanda Rowe, said: “Our investigation is in its very early stages and we will be working hard to establish what happened. My thoughts are with the man’s family and all of those affected by this incident.

“At this stage we are looking at the circumstances of the incident and all officers remain witnesses to our investigation.”

Adam Court, 26, owner of the local media network Complete Traffic based nearby, told the Press Association: “We heard a lot of sirens heading towards the far end of the street and traffic coming to a swift halt. The road is plagued with a history of serious collisions so this was nothing out of the ordinary. But it was the sheer number of police officers at the scene that caused initial concern.”

• This article was corrected on 7 January 2019. An earlier version said police had “refuted” that Fitzgerald had been shot in the back; this has been changed to “denied”.</s>A 31-year-old man shot dead by armed police during a raid at a house in Coventry has been named by friends as Sean Fitzgerald.

Police swooped on the property in Burnaby Road on Friday evening in what was described by West Midlands Police as an “intelligence-led operation”.

The death of Mr Fitzgerald, believed to be a former serviceman, has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which will examine footage from body cameras being worn officers involved as well as CCTV.

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Two other men were arrested and detained as part of the raid over suspected drugs offences, West Midlands Police said.

Friends of the deceased man paid tribute on Saturday, including one, who gave his name only as Ali, who described him as a “very, very good guy” who had served as a member of the armed forces.

“He's served for all of us – the police, everybody – in the army up until last year,” he said.

A family member wrote online that she was “absolutely gutted” by Mr Fitzgerald’s death, while another friend described him as a “one of a kind” person who “would be there for anyone”.

It has not been revealed if the operation was terrorism related – but witnesses described seeing a large number of officers in the area, including a significant number of police vehicles as officers executed a warrant at the address at 6.20pm.

“One man was shot and pronounced dead at the scene while two other men were detained by officers,” the force said.

Locals were told to go indoors as a section of the street – a large residential road north of the city centre – was closed.

Fire engineer Karl Lolley, a father-of-two who lives behind the police cordon, said he heard “four or five” gunshots after witnessing officers descend on the home.

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“I saw three or four armed police cars turn up. Five to six armed officers got out and they went in the front door. There was some gunshots,” Mr Lolley, 39, said.

“The next thing you know there’s more police arriving and they cordon off the area.

“They carry a person out on a stretcher, they put him in an ambulance – the lights on the ambulance were flashing for about half an hour as they were working on him.

“Then they turned the lights off and they drove off slowly. Obviously they pronounced him dead.”

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The area around the scene remained cordoned off on Saturday morning.

The IOPC confirmed it opened an inquiry after the force reported the fatality during a “pre-planned operation”.

IOPC regional director Amanda Rowe: “Our investigation is in its very early stages and we will be working hard to establish what happened. My thoughts are with the man's family and all of those affected by this incident.

“The next steps will be to view the body-worn video footage and establish if there are any local CCTV recordings. At this stage we are looking at the circumstances of the incident and all officers remain witnesses to our investigation.”

Additional reporting by PA</s>A 31-year-old man fatally shot by police during a drugs raid in Coventry has been named locally as ex-soldier Sean Fitzgerald.

Two other men, both 26, were arrested on suspicion of producing cannabis, said West Midlands police. All three men were said by friends to be unarmed.

The police watchdog has opened an investigation into the shooting, which followed the execution of a warrant at about 6.20pm on Friday.

Last night friends and family paid tribute to Fitzgerald. One family member wrote online that she was “absolutely gutted”.

One of Fitzgerald’s friends, who gave his name as Ali, said he had been with him shortly before he was killed at the house on Burnaby Road.

Ali said his friend presented “no threat or danger”. He…</s>A 31-year-old man fatally shot by police in a raid has been named locally as Sean Fitzgerald.

Two more men were detained at the scene in Coventry following an intelligence-led operation on Friday evening, West Midlands Police said.

Loved ones have paid tribute to Mr Fitzgerald, who lived locally, as the police watchdog opened an investigation into the shooting that followed the execution of a warrant at about 6.20pm.

One, who gave his name as Ali, said he had been with the “very, very good guy” shortly before he visited the home in Burnaby Road where he was killed.

Ali said he believed his friend presented “no threat or danger”, and added: “He's served for all of us - the police, everybody - in the Army up until last year.”

A family member wrote online that she was “absolutely gutted” by the death of Mr Fitzgerald, who another friend described as a “one of a kind” who “would be there for anyone”.

Investigators from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will examine footage from cameras being worn by the officers involved as well as local CCTV.

Announcing the incident, West Midlands Police said: “One man was shot and pronounced dead at the scene while two other men were detained by officers.”</s>An ex-squaddie was shot dead by armed police in a ‘drugs raid gone wrong’, it has been claimed.

The 31-year-old, named locally as Sean Fitzgerald, was gunned down during a raid in Coventry on Friday night.

Police had reportedly busted a suspected cannabis farm, where the shooting took place.

Two other men were detained on suspicion of producing the drug.

One neighbour today claimed how police had told her that Mr Fitzgerald was killed after a drugs warrant “went wrong”.

She said: “The officer confirmed there had been a shooting but that it wasn’t an officer that had been shot.

“He went on to say it was a warrant that had gone wrong.”

Another neighbour wrote on Facebook: “One of the officers said it was an arrest warrant gone wrong and confirmed that someone was shot.

“They classed it as going wrong considering arrests don't usually end in a shoot-out.”

And another local posted to say: “A friend lives by there and said it was a drug arrest but one man dead. Armed police everywhere.”

The police watchdog has launched a probe into the events leading to the shooting.

A warrant had been executed at around 6.20pm.

Friends paid tribute to Mr Fitzgerald, who lived in the Holbrooks area of the city.

One, who gave his name as Ali, said he had been with the “very, very good guy” shortly before he visited the Burnaby Road property.

He told CoventryLive: “He’s served for all of us - the police, everybody - in the Army up until last year.”

Another friend described Mr Fitzgerald as a “one of a kind” who “would be there for anyone”.

Police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), will examine footage from body cameras worn by the officers.

In a statement West Midlands Police said: “A 31-year-old man was shot and pronounced dead at the scene while two other men were detained by officers.

The men, both aged 26, have been held on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis and remain in police custody today.”

The victim’s next-of-kin have been informed.</s>A 31-year-old former soldier fatally shot by police during a raid on a suspected cannabis farm has been named locally as Sean Fitzgerald.

Officers have not yet found a firearm at the scene and one neighbour revealed how cops had told her that Mr Fitzgerald was killed after a drugs warrant “went wrong”.

She said: “The officer confirmed there had been a shooting but that it wasn’t an officer that had been shot.

“He went on to say it was a warrant that had gone wrong.”

Another neighbour wrote on Facebook: “One of the officers said it was an arrest warrant gone wrong and confirmed that someone was shot.

“They classed it as going wrong considering arrests don't usually end in a shoot-out.”

Two others were arrested at the scene in Coventry on suspicion of a drugs offence following an intelligence-led operation on Friday evening, West Midlands Police said.

Friends paid tribute to Mr Fitzgerald, who lived locally, as the police watchdog opened an investigation into the shooting that followed the execution of a warrant at about 6.20pm.

One, who gave his name as Ali, said he had been with the "very, very good guy" shortly before he visited the home in Burnaby Road where he was killed.

Ali said he believed his friend presented "no threat or danger", and added: "He's served for all of us - the police, everybody - in the Army up until last year."

A family member wrote online that she was "absolutely gutted" by the death of Mr Fitzgerald, who another friend described as a "one of a kind" who "would be there for anyone".

Investigators from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will examine footage from cameras being worn by the officers involved as well as local CCTV.

They are yet to find a firearm at the scene, but the search continues, a spokeswoman said on Saturday afternoon.

Announcing the incident, West Midlands Police said: "One man was shot and pronounced dead at the scene while two other men were detained by officers."

The force later added that the two 26-year-old men remained in custody on suspicion of involvement in the production of cannabis.

Fire engineer Karl Lolley, a father-of-two who lives behind the police cordon, said he heard "four or five" gunshots after witnessing officers descend on the home.

"I saw three or four armed police cars turn up. Five to six armed officers got out and they went in the front door. There was some gunshots," the 39-year-old said.

"The next thing you know there's more police arriving and they cordon off the area.

"They carry a person out on a stretcher, they put him in an ambulance - the lights on the ambulance were flashing for about half an hour as they were working on him.

"Then they turned the lights off and they drove off slowly. Obviously they pronounced him dead."

A large number of police cars, along with emergency service vehicles, were reported in the area of Burnaby Road, a largely residential street north of the city centre, in the wake of the incident.

Locals were told to go indoors as a section of the street was closed.

The area around the scene remained cordoned off on Saturday morning.

The IOPC confirmed it opened an inquiry after the force reported the fatality during a "pre-planned operation".

IOPC regional director Amanda Rowe: "Our investigation is in its very early stages and we will be working hard to establish what happened. My thoughts are with the man's family and all of those affected by this incident.

"The next steps will be to view the body-worn video footage and establish if there are any local CCTV recordings. At this stage we are looking at the circumstances of the incident and all officers remain witnesses to our investigation."

The man's next-of-kin have been informed.</s>A senior police officer has dismissed claims that a man fatally shot by firearms officers in Coventry was shot in the back.

Assistant Chief Constable Sue Southern was responding to questions following a briefing, in which she read a statement on behalf of West Midlands Police regarding the fatal shooting of a man named locally as Sean Fitzgerald.

Mr Fitzgerald was shot shortly after 6pm on Friday night during what police described as “an intelligence-led operation” in Burnaby Road.

The matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

During a short question and answer session after the statement was read out Ms Southern was asked about suggestions locally - referred to in some media reports - that Mr Fitzgerald had been shot in the back.

“That is not my understanding,” she said.

“Body worn video has been examined and will form part of the IOPC investigation.”

Ms Southern was also asked how unusual such an incident was for West Midlands Police and said : “It is very unusual.

“In the history of this force, over the last 20 years, there have only been three occasions when police officers have discharged their weapons and shot a suspect.”

Ms Southern said that she was limited about how much she could say because of the IOPC investigation.

She added that the incident had taken place during a “pre-planned operation” and said officers had administered first aid immediately to the dead man.

She said: “Officers were able to provide fast first aid and made every attempt to save this man’s life.”

The full statement read by Ms Southern was as follows.

“During the operation a 31-year-old man was shot dead by police.

“This is clearly a tragic incident that will be thoroughly investigated.

“His family are being supported by a specialist trained officer from the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“Two men aged 26 were detained inside the property and have been arrested on suspicion of having been concerned in the production of cannabis and remain in custody this afternoon.

“This was an intelligence-led operation but I am not in a position to elaborate any further at this stage.

“We are liaising with the Independent Office for Police Conduct and will fully assist their investigation.”

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Find old stories in our online Archives and search for jobs, motors and property, or place an advert or family notice here</s>A 31-year-old man fatally shot by police in a raid has been named locally as Sean Fitzgerald.

Two others were arrested at the scene in Coventry on suspicion of a drugs offence following an intelligence-led operation on Friday evening, West Midlands Police said.

Friends paid tribute to Mr Fitzgerald, who lived locally, as the police watchdog opened an investigation into the shooting that followed the execution of a warrant at about 6.20pm.

One, who gave his name as Ali, said he had been with the “very, very good guy” shortly before he visited the home in Burnaby Road where he was killed.

Ali said he believed his friend presented “no threat or danger”, and added: “He’s served for all of us – the police, everybody – in the Army up until last year.”

A family member wrote online that she was “absolutely gutted” by the death of Mr Fitzgerald, who another friend described as a “one of a kind” who “would be there for anyone”.

Investigators from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will examine footage from cameras being worn by the officers involved as well as local CCTV.

Announcing the incident, West Midlands Police said: “One man was shot and pronounced dead at the scene while two other men were detained by officers.”

The force later added that the two 26-year-old men remained in custody on suspicion of involvement in the production of cannabis.

Fire engineer Karl Lolley, a father-of-two who lives behind the police cordon, said he heard “four or five” gunshots after witnessing officers descend on the home.

“I saw three or four armed police cars turn up. Five to six armed officers got out and they went in the front door. There was some gunshots,” the 39-year-old told the Press Association.

“The next thing you know there’s more police arriving and they cordon off the area.

“They carry a person out on a stretcher, they put him in an ambulance – the lights on the ambulance were flashing for about half an hour as they were working on him.

“Then they turned the lights off and they drove off slowly. Obviously they pronounced him dead.”

A large number of police cars, along with emergency service vehicles, were reported in the area of Burnaby Road, a largely residential street north of the city centre, in the wake of the incident.

Locals were told to go indoors as a section of the street was closed and “over 17 police cars (and) armed police” arrived.

Adam Court, 26, owner of the local media network Complete Traffic based nearby, told PA: “We heard a lot of sirens heading towards the far end of the street and traffic coming to a swift halt.

“The road is plagued with a history of serious collisions so this was nothing out of the ordinary.

“But it was the sheer number of police officers at the scene that caused initial concern.”

The area around the scene remained cordoned off on Saturday morning.

The IOPC confirmed it opened an inquiry after the force reported the fatality during a “pre-planned operation”.

IOPC regional director Amanda Rowe: “Our investigation is in its very early stages and we will be working hard to establish what happened. My thoughts are with the man’s family and all of those affected by this incident.

“The next steps will be to view the body-worn video footage and establish if there are any local CCTV recordings. At this stage we are looking at the circumstances of the incident and all officers remain witnesses to our investigation.”

The man’s next-of-kin have been informed.</s>LONDON (AP) - British police say a 31-year-old man has been shot dead by armed officers in central England, and two others were detained at the scene following an "intelligence-led" operation.

Police say officers were acting on a warrant at a residence in the city of Coventry, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of Birmingham, late Friday. They didn't provide details about the nature of the operation, or why officers opened fire.

Witnesses described a large number of officers and police vehicles descending on the largely residential area north of the city center.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said Saturday it has opened an inquiry after West Midlands Police reported the fatality during a "pre-planned operation."

Police officers attend the scene in the city of Coventry, central England, Saturday Jan. 5, 2019, after British police say a 31-year-old man was shot dead by armed officers, and two others were detained at the scene following an "intelligence-led" operation. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)</s>LONDON (AP) — British police say a 31-year-old man has been shot dead by armed officers in central England, and two others were detained at the scene following an “intelligence-led” operation. Police say officers were…

LONDON (AP) — British police say a 31-year-old man has been shot dead by armed officers in central England, and two others were detained at the scene following an “intelligence-led” operation.

Police say officers were acting on a warrant at a residence in the city of Coventry, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of Birmingham, late Friday. They didn’t provide details about the nature of the operation, or why officers opened fire.

Witnesses described a large number of officers and police vehicles descending on the largely residential area north of the city center.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said Saturday it has opened an inquiry after West Midlands Police reported the fatality during a “pre-planned operation.”

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Sean Fitzgerald, 31, is shot dead by police officers during a raid on a house in Coventry, England, United Kingdom. Two 26-year-old men were arrested during the same raid, in connection with cannabis production.