Shot man's father 'carried blame'

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The father of a charity worker who was shot dead by police has told an inquest how he felt partly responsible for his son's death.

Simon Murden, 26, from Beverley, was shot six times as he walked along the A63 near Hull on 22 March 2005.

Mr Murden's father, David, made a series of calls to police after his son left their home, suffering from what he described as a "psychotic incident".

He said he was worried that his son had been smoking strong cannabis.

David Murden also told a doctor his son was "threatening to kill the first person who comes in through his door".

Simon Murden was later spotted driving the wrong way down the A63 trunk road away from Hull before he crashed into a car, the Hull inquest has heard.

I want to see why Simon had to be treated in the way he was - why there was no alternative method David Murden

He continued on foot and was eventually shot by two officers outside a restaurant, near the village of South Cave.

At the inquest, David Murden was asked by Michael Topolski QC, representing his family, whether he still felt partly responsible for his son's death because of the calls he made to police.

He bowed his head and began to cry as he replied "yes".

Asked to describe his son, Mr Murden said: "A loving, gentle, sensitive, compassionate person.

"You couldn't wish to meet a better guy."

Baton rounds

Mr Murden said: "I'm not seeking any vengeance and I'm not vindictive against the police.

"I want to see why Simon had to be treated in the way he was - why there was no alternative method.

"I desperately want to see who's accountable. I want him not to have died in vain because something's got to change."

The inquest has heard how Simon Murden was hit with two baton rounds before police opened fire with live ammunition.

The jury was told he was later found to have been carrying three African swords.

The Murden family want the officers involved in the shooting to be prosecuted over the death.

The charity worker is the first person to be killed by Humberside Police in an armed operation.