The man who was shot dead by police outside Milton Keynes railway station has been identified as 38-year-old David Joyce. The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 1, after Joyce allegedly moved at speed towards armed officers while brandishing a knife.
Thames Valley Police were alerted to the scene shortly before 1 pm following a 999 call reporting a man with a gun. However, upon arriving, officers found Joyce near the main entrance of the railway station holding a knife. According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), he then ran towards the officers.
Fatal Shooting Details
At around 1.04 pm, officers confronted Joyce just outside the station. Body-worn camera footage and CCTV confirm that one officer fired a single shot at close range, hitting Joyce in the abdomen. Despite officers providing immediate first aid, Joyce was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination on Thursday confirmed the cause of death as a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. No other weapons were found at the scene. The police cordon, which had been in place since the shooting, was lifted on April 2.
IOPC Investigation Underway
The IOPC has launched an independent investigation into the shooting. IOPC Director Derrick Campbell stated:
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this man and all of those affected by this tragic incident. Given a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident, including the actions and decisions taken by the police.”
He reassured the public that the investigation aims to establish the full context of the incident:
“We appreciate that this incident outside a busy train station will understandably cause concern. We know the community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts.”
The IOPC has appealed for witnesses or anyone with video footage to come forward. They have already collected evidence from the scene, including the knife that Joyce was holding.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
News of the shooting has sparked mixed reactions in the community. Commuters who regularly use the Milton Keynes railway station expressed shock. One local resident said:
“It’s really unsettling to hear about something like this happening in such a public place. I hope the investigation brings some clarity.”
On social media, users debated the appropriateness of using lethal force. One post on X read:
“Police have a duty to protect the public, but a single shot to the abdomen sounds severe. Was there no other way?”
Others defended the officers’ actions, emphasizing the danger posed by an armed and advancing suspect.
Police and Family Statements
David Joyce’s next of kin has been informed. The family, while grieving, has not yet made a public statement. The IOPC confirmed that it has contacted the family and will provide updates throughout the investigation.
Thames Valley Police have not released further comments but reiterated their commitment to transparency as the independent investigation proceeds.
Appeal for Information
Anyone who witnessed the incident or captured footage is asked to contact the IOPC or Thames Valley Police. Witnesses can also report information through the IOPC’s online portal or call the confidential hotline at 0800 789 321.
