A man armed with a knife was shot dead by police at Milton Keynes railway station after running towards officers, prompting Thames Valley Police (TVP) to refer itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Police confrontation and shooting
Armed officers were called to Elder Gate at 12.55pm on Tuesday following reports of a man carrying a knife. Upon arrival, officers challenged the suspect, but he “moved at speed towards them” while still armed.
A TVP spokesperson said:
“Life-saving actions were immediately taken at the scene, but the man was pronounced dead at 1.44pm.”
The incident took place in the station square outside the main building. Police immediately cordoned off the area as emergency services arrived.
Eyewitness accounts
Witnesses described the moment the shooting occurred, with one bystander calling it a shocking and distressing event.
Domenico Scalzo, a 38-year-old delivery driver, was having coffee nearby when he heard the gunshot.
“It was very shocking – I will definitely have nightmares,” he said.
Mr Scalzo, who previously worked in private security, recognised the sound immediately.
“I heard a pop – I used to work with firearms, so I knew it wasn’t a car backfiring or anything.
“When I ran outside, I saw police officers giving the man CPR. He looked like he was in his 20s and was bleeding.”
He added that the area has a growing issue with knife crime.
“It’s really difficult for the police – there are teenagers around here as young as 12 carrying massive knives – but you don’t expect to see people shot in the streets by the police in the UK.”
Police response and investigation
Thames Valley Police confirmed that they had referred themselves to the IOPC, which has launched an independent inquiry into the shooting.
A spokesperson for the IOPC said:
“We were notified by Thames Valley Police shortly after the incident and IOPC investigators have been sent to the station and the police post-incident procedure to begin gathering information.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the man who died and all those who have been affected by this incident.
“Our role in these circumstances is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident, including the actions and decisions taken by the police.”
The IOPC began its investigation at 2.26pm, just under an hour after the man was pronounced dead.
Reassurance from police and local leaders
Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie, the city commander, addressed concerns from the public, assuring residents that the situation was under control.
“We understand that this incident may cause concern locally, but we would like to reassure the community that there is no wider risk to the public.”
Local councillors also expressed their shock at the incident.
Shazna Muzammil, a councillor and Conservative group leader at Milton Keynes City Council, took to social media to offer her support.
“Our thoughts are with all those there and affected by it. It must have been quite a shock.
“Very thankful to the police and emergency services for their swift response in keeping everyone safe.”
More Read
Impact on transport and public access
While London Northwestern Railway confirmed that train services remained unaffected, it warned passengers that access to the front of the station had been restricted due to the ongoing police operation.
A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesperson confirmed that its officers were assisting TVP.
“BTP received a report from Thames Valley Police at 1pm today of a man carrying a firearm at Milton Keynes station.
“Armed officers from Thames Valley Police responded, and he was shot and pronounced dead outside the station.”
Ongoing investigation and public reaction
As the IOPC investigates the circumstances leading up to the shooting, questions remain about the exact sequence of events and whether police actions were justified.
The incident has reignited debates around knife crime and police use of force in the UK, particularly in situations where officers are faced with individuals brandishing weapons.
The coming days are likely to bring further scrutiny as investigators gather witness statements, review CCTV footage, and assess whether police officers followed the correct protocols in dealing with the threat.
