Investigation into death of man shot by police "completed by end of year"

Lewis Skelton, 31, died after being shot twice by police in Francis Street, last November 29, following calls from members of the public of a man carrying an axe.

Mr Skelton, whose family say had a mental health condition, was Tasered before being shot.

His death led to the launch of an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Lawyer Andrew Petherbridge of Hudgell Solicitors, which is representing his family, said: “It is our understanding that all relevant officers who were called to the scene on this tragic day have now been interviewed and given their accounts of what they say happened and why, as has the commander from the operations room.

“That is certainly welcome news as it hopefully means that Lewis’ family are closer to getting answers as to what happened on that day.

“Lewis’ family accept and understand that the events of that day last year cannot be changed.

“We are hoping that, as part of the IPCC investigation, all relevant questions have been asked of Humberside Police with regard to their actions that morning, and whether there could have been another outcome to this matter which did not result in the loss of life.”

The IPCC recovered the weapons used on the morning, as well as searching Mr Skelton's flat on Durham Street, as part of their investigation.

Mr Skelton's sister Laura said: “It has been such a long and difficult time since we lost Lewis last year. Not only was his sudden death a massive shock to us all, but the nature of it has been so hard to accept and understand.

“It is vital to us that we feel every avenue is explored getting to the bottom of what actually happened that day.”

The number of fatal police shootings in England and Wales reached the highest level for more than a decade in 2016/2017.

Among them was Yassar Yaqub, from Huddersfield, who was shot in a pre-planned police operation near junction 24 of the M62 on January 2.

The 28-year-old, who was a passenger in the car, was shot three times by armed West Yorkshire Police officers, who had information there might be a firearm in the car in which he was he was travelling.

A non-police firearm was recovered from the vehicle.