Armed Police Shoot Man in Audi on M62
Yassar Yaqub, 28, was shot by an armed police officer near Huddersfield on the M62 back in January 2017. The incident happened after his Audi was forced to stop by an unmarked police car.
Jury Clears Officer Over Fatal Shooting
A jury at Leeds Crown Court ruled the armed officer acted in self-defence. They found the officer “honestly believed his life was in danger” and used “reasonable force” when firing three shots at Yaqub. Two bullets hit him in the chest, causing catastrophic blood loss.
The officer, known only as V39, told the court he feared for his life and those of his colleagues after Yaqub pointed a revolver at him. A loaded gun was later found under the front passenger seat where Yaqub had been sitting.
Family Furious, Plans Legal Challenge
Mohammed Yaqub, Yassar’s father, slammed the verdict. He said: “We are astonished and perplexed by the conclusion that this was a legal killing. We believe V39 murdered Yassar unlawfully. He was taken from us for no apparent cause.”
Mohammed added the coroner made “a grave error” by not letting the jury consider whether it was unlawful killing. The family is now weighing up a legal challenge.
Police and Authorities Respond
West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable John Robins expressed sympathy for the family but stressed the impact on officers too. He said: “The loss of life is tragic. The last five to six years have been tough for those involved.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) backed the officer’s actions, saying his use of force was “necessary and appropriate” based on the facts and his reasonable belief of danger.
