Investigation finds Thames Valley Police used necessary force in Milton Keynes fatal shooting

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation has found that the use of lethal force by a Thames Valley Police (TVP) firearms officer was necessary, proportionate and reasonable, during an incident in Milton Keynes in which a man died after being shot.

We investigated the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of David Joyce at Milton Keynes Central railway station on 1 April 2025, which followed reports of a man with a firearm.

At 12.54pm, TVP received a 999-call reporting a man at the station in possession of a gun and a knife. 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 our investigation, which concluded last month, we examined body-worn video, CCTV, dashcam footage, radio communications and witness accounts.

We found no indication any officer behaved in a way that would justify disciplinary or criminal proceedings. All officers were treated as witnesses throughout our investigation.

Following the shooting, officers briefly applied handcuffs to Mr Joyce due to the continued perceived risk and gave immediate first aid until paramedics took over.

We found these actions were consistent with training and national guidance.

Our investigation also considered complaints raised by Mr Joyce’s family regarding searches of addresses linked to him and the handling of property.

We found items were properly seized and recorded and there was insufficient evidence to conclude additional property had been taken.

However, some officers did not activate body-worn video when entering properties, contrary to the force's body-worn video policy, and we decided this should be addressed through reflective learning.

Our report and findings will be shared with HM Coroner to assist with coronial proceedings. A pre-inquest review hearing is to be held on 19 June.