Independent findings into railway station police action.
An independent investigation into the fatal shooting of a man by police outside Milton Keynes railway station has found the actions were ‘necessary, proportionate and reasonable’.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation centred around the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of David Joyce at Milton Keynes Central station on 1st April 2025, which followed reports of a man with a firearm.
“At 12.54pm, Thames Valley Police received a 999-call reporting a man at the station in possession of a gun and a knife,” said the IOPC report. “The caller was later identified as Mr Joyce. 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.
“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.”
As part of the investigation, which concluded last month, the IOPC examined body-worn video, CCTV, dashcam footage, radio communications and witness accounts.
They found no indication any officer behaved in a way that would justify disciplinary or criminal proceedings.
The IOPC’s report and findings will be shared with the Coroner when a pre-inquest review into Mr Joyce's death is held on 19th June.
