Full police statement after sean fitzgerald 'killed lawfully' inquest ruling

Police have issued a statement after a jury ruled a Coventry man shot dead by armed officers in 2019, was 'killed lawfully'. Sean Fitzgerald was shot in the chest by an armed

officer at a property in Burnaby Road in 2019. West Midlands Police officers were investigating the activities of a suspected organised crime gang at the address. The officer who fired the

fatal shot - known as Officer K - gave evidence at Coventry Coroner's Court during an inquest jury. The jury were asked to consider two conclusions of lawful or unlawful killing by

Officer K. BBC CWR reported a majority 10-1 verdict found the killing was lawful. READ MORE:RESIDENTS SAY THEY'RE 'GETTING CHOKED' BY 544-ROOM STUDENT DEVELOPMENT READ MORE:

COVENTRY PUB CLOSED FOR YEARS SET TO REOPEN THIS WEEK Following the ruling from the inquest yesterday (May 21), West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Damian Barratt issued a

statement, in which he offered 'sincere condolences' to the family of the 31-year-old. "We note the conclusion of lawful killing that the jury at Leamington Justice Centre has

returned today following the inquest concerning the death of Sean Fitzgerald and we offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr Fitzgerald," the statement read. "The inquest

has been complex and challenging for all those involved. We note the points raised within the findings and will ensure that these are fully considered in order to identify any learning in

future operations. "Armed policing is complex and challenging and our firearms officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public on a daily basis, and undergo continuous

rigorous training to ensure they are suitably equipped for such a vital and demanding role."