Man, 39, shot dead by armed police on Christmas Eve

A man with a knife was shot dead by armed police in Redditch after "several hours" of negotiations on Christmas Eve, police have said.

West Mercia Police were called to a property in Fownhope Close, Redditch, at around 2pm on Christmas Eve to reports of a man with a knife.

Police negotiators arrived at the scene in Worcestershire and "attempts were made to resolve the situation by engaging the man over several hours".

But at 7.40pm the 39 year old was shot by armed police - and he was pronounced dead just after 8pm.

No one else was inside the property at the time, the force added.

A mandatory referral to the police watchdog - the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) - has been made and an investigation been launched.

West Mercia Police's assistant chief constable Grant Willis described it as a "tragic incident".

"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," he said.

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

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.