Police ordered to reopen investigation into how dad was shot in the back twice by cops

Lewis Skelton was shot twice in the back by a police officer at close range in 2021, a death which the High Court has said should be reinvestigated by the police watchdog

The family of a dad who died after being shot in the back by police have welcomed the decision by the police watchdog to reopen the case.

Lewis Skelton was tasered four times and shot twice in the back by a marksman in November 2016 and later died in hospital. The Humberside Police officer who fired the fatal shots, known only as B50, was previously cleared of wrongdoing.

After an inquest in 2021 found that Mr Skelton was unlawfully killed, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), decided not to reinvestigate the case. But Mr Skelton’s father, Glenn Skelton, challenged this finding at the High Court and a judge ruled in April that it should be quashed and a new decision made.

On Wednesday, the IOPC announced that it is reopening its investigation with a dedicated team with no connection to the original investigation. Solicitor Neil Hudgell said: “Lewis’s family welcome the decision of the IOPC to reinvestigate the death of their much-loved father, son, brother and uncle. However, the family do not welcome the years-long legal wrangles which have led to this decision, or the begrudging way in which the IOPC have delivered this news.”

IOPC regional director Emily Barry said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Skelton’s family and loved ones as well as all those whose lives have been affected by his death. While we are disappointed with the High Court ruling, which used a different interpretation of our reinvestigation policy than we did, we respect the judge’s findings.”

Mr Skelton, who had struggled with mental health problems, was reported to police through four 999 calls on the day of the shooting after being seen walking with an axe. After he was found by armed police, B50 and another officer - known only as Charlie - fired Tasers but this had no effect. B50 then shot him twice in the back from close range with a pistol.

Humberside Police said it will co-operate fully with the investigative process but said it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.

A spokesman said: “Our thoughts and condolences remain with Lewis’s family and friends, as well as the officers involved in this very sad and tragic event.”