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Family 'shock' at shooting probe | |
(about 5 hours later) | |
The family of a man shot dead by police have reacted with "unbelievable shock and astonishment" to news that officers will not face criminal charges. | |
Charity worker Simon Murden, 26, from Beverley, was shot after driving the wrong way down the A63 and walking towards armed police with a sword. | Charity worker Simon Murden, 26, from Beverley, was shot after driving the wrong way down the A63 and walking towards armed police with a sword. |
After an 18-month investigation the Crown Prosecution Service said no charges would be brought. | |
But Mr Murden's family said they had expected "a very different outcome". | |
'Terrible and untimely' | |
In a statement the family said: "It is with unbelievable shock and astonishment that our family and friends have responded to the news that no criminal charges will be brought against the police for the terrible and untimely death of Simon. | |
"The thorough and vigorous investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission and discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service and the knowledge that we have from this, had indicated a very different outcome." | |
He did not deserve such a shocking death at the hands of the police Family of Simon Murden | |
The family described Mr Murden as gentle, sensitive, humorous, "calm in all circumstances", kind and genuine. | |
They said: "We know that a coroner's court is a court of law, but it is not the appropriate place for a full and transparent account of the events surrounding the terrible death of Simon to be judged. | |
"We and our friends are determined to pursue Simon's case to ensure justice for him. He did not deserve such a shocking death at the hands of the police." | |
'Volatile situation' | 'Volatile situation' |
Humberside Police's Chief Constable Tim Hollis said Mr Muden's death was "tragic in so many ways". | |
He said: "It was tragic for the Murden family, who will still be struggling to come to terms with the death of a much-loved son; and my thoughts and sympathies go out to all the family at this time." | |
All my armed officers are volunteers and they carry a heavy burden in protecting the public Chief Constable Tim Hollis | |
Mr Hollis said the incident was the first time in the history of the force that armed officers had shot and killed anyone and it was a "very sad event". | Mr Hollis said the incident was the first time in the history of the force that armed officers had shot and killed anyone and it was a "very sad event". |
He said his thoughts were also with the officers involved and their families. | He said his thoughts were also with the officers involved and their families. |
"The last 18 months have been very difficult for them too. They were confronted by a volatile situation. They only had moments in which to make decisions which would have been scrutinised and analysed at length. | "The last 18 months have been very difficult for them too. They were confronted by a volatile situation. They only had moments in which to make decisions which would have been scrutinised and analysed at length. |
"All my armed officers are volunteers and they carry a heavy burden in protecting the public, protecting unarmed officers and protecting themselves in difficult and demanding circumstances. | "All my armed officers are volunteers and they carry a heavy burden in protecting the public, protecting unarmed officers and protecting themselves in difficult and demanding circumstances. |
"I have a high regard for their commitment and their professionalism." | "I have a high regard for their commitment and their professionalism." |
Earlier crash | Earlier crash |
Mr Murden worked for his father's fair trade charity, and was driving one of its vans down the A63 in the wrong direction when officers were called to the scene. | Mr Murden worked for his father's fair trade charity, and was driving one of its vans down the A63 in the wrong direction when officers were called to the scene. |
He began to approach them carrying "sword-type weapons" and was fatally wounded after baton rounds failed to stop him, police have said. | He began to approach them carrying "sword-type weapons" and was fatally wounded after baton rounds failed to stop him, police have said. |
The van had been involved in a crash with at least one other car before police arrived. | The van had been involved in a crash with at least one other car before police arrived. |
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