David Joyce

Armed officers used “necessary” and “proportionate” force when they shot dead a knife-wielding man at a train station, a report from the police watchdog has found.

David Joyce was fatally shot in the abdomen by a Thames Valley Police (TVP) firearms officer at Milton Keynes Central station on 1 April 2025 after the 38-year-old ran towards the officers with a knife despite commands to stop.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found the officer who discharged the firearm believed there was an immediate threat to life, both to the officers and the members of the public nearby, and that the use of force was “lawful”.

The investigation, which concluded last month, also found officers’ actions were consistent with training and national guidance when they briefly handcuffed Mr Joyce after he was shot “due to the continued perceived risk”.

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.”

Officers were called to the station at around 12.55pm following reports of a man carrying a gun and a knife.

The two firearm officers arrived 10 minutes later and were confronted by Mr Joyce “within seconds” of leaving their vehicle.

He was holding a knife and moving towards the officers as well as members of the public before he then moved at speed towards them.

Police gave first aid to Mr Joyce until paramedics took over and he was pronounced dead at 1.44pm.

The IOPC said their investigation examined body-worn footage, CCTV, dashcam footage, radio communications and witness accounts, including from the officers.

It concluded that the officers did not act in a way that would “justify disciplinary or criminal proceedings”.

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

It 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.

A pre-inquest review hearing into Mr Joyce’s death is to be held on 19 June.