'We must find answers' says family of man shot dead by police

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.

The IPCC is investigating the circumstances of the shooting, amd has spoken to “significant” numbers of members of the public, as well as gathering police officers’ accounts.

A friend of the family this week called for people to come forward on social media in an attempt to answer questions about the shooting. But Mr Skelton’s sister Laura said information should be directed to their legal team, Hudgell Solicitors, or the IPCC which is gathering evidence into what happened on the day.

She said: “We know there have been efforts from friends of Lewis to call for people to come forward on social media, which have been appreciated as it is very nice to know there are others out there, like us, who want to get to the bottom of exactly what happened that morning.

“However, for the investigation to be conducted properly and thoroughly we need information to be provided either to our legal team to investigate or to the IPCC.

“We know it would have been completely out of character for Lewis to do anything to make people feel at threat or to warrant such drastic action from the police, so it is vitally important that anyone with any new information comes forward.

“We feel we must find the answers for Lewis.”