Independent investigation rules police action as "necessary" regarding shooting outside Milton Keynes Central station

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation has cleared the use of lethal force by a Thames Valley Police (TVP) firearms officer after an incident outside Milton Keynes Central train station.

The IOPC report said that force used in the incident on 1 April 2025 was necessary, proportionate and reasonable, in reference to an incident in which a man called David Joyce died after being shot.

During the incident, TVP received a report at around 12:54pm in the form of a 999-call reporting a man at the station in possession of a gun and a knife. Armed officers arrived at the scene 10 minutes later.

Within seconds of exiting their vehicle, two firearms officers encountered Mr Joyce, who was holding a knife and moving towards them and nearby members of the public. Despite commands by the officers to stop, he ran at them.

One officer discharged a single shot, striking Mr Joyce in the abdomen. Officers immediately provided first aid before paramedics arrived. Mr Joyce was pronounced dead at 1:44pm.

Detailing their next steps, the IOPC confirmed that their report and findings will be shared with the coroner to assist with coronial proceedings. A pre-inquest review hearing is to be held on 19 June.

In their assessment, the IOPC said they found no indication any officer behaved in a way that would justify disciplinary or criminal proceedings.

In a summary of their report, the IOPC said, “We found the officer who discharged their firearm believed there was an immediate threat to life, both to them and others nearby and the use of force was lawful, necessary and proportionate in the circumstances when judged against the officer’s honestly held belief at the time.”

IOPC Director Derrick Campbell said, “This was a tragic incident which resulted in the loss of life, and our thoughts remain with Mr Joyce’s family and friends.

“Our role was to independently examine the circumstances and determine whether police actions were in line with policy and legislation.

“Having carefully reviewed all of the available evidence, we found that officers were responding to reports of a man believed to be armed and acted quickly in a rapidly evolving situation where there was a real risk to public safety.

“In those circumstances, the use of lethal force was necessary, proportionate and reasonable.”

The investigation by the IOPC also considered complaints raised by Mr Joyce’s family regarding searches of addresses linked to him and the handling of property.

In their report, the IOPC said that found items were properly seized and recorded and there was insufficient evidence to conclude additional property had been taken.

However, they did report that some officers did not activate body-worn video when entering properties, contrary to the force’s body-worn video policy. The IOPC decided this should be addressed through reflective learning.