INDECOM probing fatal police shooting of 14-y-o boy, injury of brother in Manchester

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) says its probing the shooting death of a 14-year-old boy and the injury of his brother by the police in Williamsfield, Manchester on Sunday.

The deceased teen has been identified as Mikhail Simpson.

INDECOM says a team led by its Director of Complaints for the Central Region, Dave Lewin, conducted a scene revisit and community engagement arising from the shooting.

Noting that it was advised that there are high emotions resulting from the incident, the oversight body says the team will be providing guidance on the investigative process, with a view of allaying any concerns that residents may have.

INDECOM informed that the police reported that officers on duty engaged a vehicle which disobeyed orders to stop.

One officer reportedly fired several rounds in the direction of the fleeing vehicle.  

The driver of the vehicle received injuries to his face, while the passenger succumbed to injuries sustained.

No firearm was reported as recovered from the incident scene, stated INDECOM.

INDECOM investigators were advised that no body-worn cameras were issued or used during the incident.

It says the concerned officers will be required to provide statements to INDECOM as well as visit its office to be interviewed in relation to the incident.

No initial report was provided by either of the two concerned officers.

INDECOM says its forensic personnel examined, processed and packaged the evidential material recovered from the incident scene.

Gunshot residue swabs were taken for DNA testing and the body of the deceased was photographed and sealed, pending post mortem examination.

Noting the importance of independent information in the investigative process and where photos, videos, or information is available in incidents involving members of the security forces, INDECOM is appealing to members of the public to make such materials available to the agency.

This information should be shared via INDECOM's new WhatsApp number (876)553-0000 or persons may contact the office of the commission at 876-968-1932 or 876-968-8875.

Year to date, 66 persons have been shot and killed by the security forces, of which 11 occurred in June, INDECOM noted.

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