Key Points:
- David Joyce, 38, from Milton Keynes, was shot dead by police at Milton Keynes railway station on Tuesday.
- Police responded to reports of a man with a gun; it was later confirmed he was holding a knife.
- A single shot was fired by a Thames Valley Police officer.
- Joyce was given first aid but died at the scene from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
- The incident is under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
- CCTV and body-worn footage reviewed shows Joyce running towards officers with a knife.
- All attending officers are being treated as witnesses.
- The IOPC is appealing for witnesses and footage from the public.
David Joyce, 38, from south-east London, was shot dead by police at Milton Keynes station after reports of a gun. It was later confirmed he had a knife.The fatal incident occurred on Tuesday following reports of a man with a firearm, though it was later confirmed that the man was armed with a knife.
What happened during the police response at Milton Keynes station?
According to Thames Valley Police, officers were called to Milton Keynes railway station shortly after 1pm on Tuesday following reports of an individual with a gun. Upon arrival, officers encountered a man outside the station entrance holding a knife.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), now leading the investigation, stated: “At around 13:04 BST, the man was just outside the railway station main entrance with a knife in his hand and ran towards officers.”
One officer discharged their weapon, firing a single shot. First aid was administered at the scene, but David Joyce was pronounced dead shortly after.
What is the cause of death?
A post-mortem examination was conducted on Thursday morning, where Mr Joyce was formally identified. The provisional cause of death has been confirmed as a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.
How is the IOPC investigating the shooting?
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is conducting a full investigation into the circumstances leading to the shooting. The watchdog has confirmed that it has already reviewed “a substantial amount” of CCTV footage and police body-worn camera recordings.
Derrick Campbell, regional director at the IOPC, said: “Given a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident, including the actions and decisions taken by the police.”
He added that the IOPC has details of some witnesses and will be contacting them. “However, we know there were many people near the station around the time of the shooting and we want to hear from anyone who may have seen the incident or has footage of it.”
Are police officers being treated as suspects?
No officers involved in the incident are currently under investigation as suspects. The IOPC has confirmed that all officers who responded to the call are being treated as witnesses.
What are police and forensic teams doing at the scene?
Following the incident, a heavy police presence remained at Milton Keynes station. Forensic teams have been seen combing the area, documenting evidence, and analysing the scene in detail. Police tape cordoned off the area for much of the day, with investigators walking the concourse and adjacent surroundings.
What should the public do if they have information?
The IOPC is urging members of the public who witnessed the incident or have any mobile or dashcam footage to come forward. Witnesses can contact the IOPC directly or through Thames Valley Police.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether police actions were justified and to provide full transparency around the events that led to David Joyce’s death.
