Lawyers acting for the family of a man shot dead by police in Hull last year have urged potential witnesses to contact either their own legal specialists or the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) as investigations continue.
Lewis Skelton, 31, died after ‘two live rounds’ were shot at him in Francis Street, Hull city centre, at 9.30am on November 29 last year, following calls from members of the public of a man carrying an axe.
Investigations into Mr Skelton’s death are ongoing, led by the IPCC, as the family has instructed civil liberties specialists Hudgell Solicitors to represent their interests going forward.
Legal representation for family as IPCC investigation is conducted
Leanne Stephenson, a Solicitor at Hudgell Solicitors, said: “We are still at the initial stages of the ongoing investigation as to the full events of the morning in which Lewis was fatally shot, and the family have instructed us to represent them and ensure all relevant questions are asked of Humberside Police with regard to their actions that morning.
“It is imperative that any new information, no matter how small, be provided directly to the people investigating the circumstances of that day, either by contacting ourselves at Hudgell Solicitors, or by contacting the IPCC.”
Police had initially been called to Holderness Road after reports of a man carrying an axe in the area.
Mr Skelton’s family have informed investigators that he suffered from a mental health condition, and the IPCC recovered the weapons used on the morning, as well as searching Mr Skelton’s flat on Durham Street.
It has previously revealed that a post mortem examination showed Mr Skelton died from gunshot wounds.
Family of Lewis Skelton determined to uncover full details of police shooting
Mr Skelton’s sister Laura said: “We know there have been efforts from friends of Lewis to call for people to come forward on social media, which have been appreciated as it is very nice to know there are others out there, like us, who want to get to the bottom of exactly what happened that morning.
“However, for the investigation to be conducted properly and thoroughly we need information to be provided either to our legal team to investigate on the family’s behalf, or to the IPCC who are gathering evidence into what happened that day, and considering the police’s response to the situation.
“We know it would have been completely out of character for Lewis to do anything to make people feel at threat or to warrant such drastic action from the police that morning, so it is vitally important that anyone with any new information comes forward. We feel we must find the answers for Lewis.”
Witnesses should contact Hudgell Solicitors or IPCC
Anyone with information they believe could be relevant to the IPCC investigation can contact the IPCC directly on 0800 096 9071 or email [email protected].
Alternatively, Leanne Stephenson of Hudgell Solicitors can be contacted directly on [email protected]