Man 'carrying a knife' shot dead by armed police at Milton Keynes railway station

1 April 2025, 13:56 | Updated: 1 April 2025, 22:54

A man carrying a knife who "moved at speed" towards police has been shot dead by officers at Milton Keynes railway station.

Officers from Thames Valley Police (TVP) and British Transport Police (BTP were called to reports of a man carrying a firearm at the station at 12.55pm on Tuesday.

TVP said its armed officers responded and challenged "a white man who was carrying a knife outside the station".

The man "moved at speed towards officers with the knife before a shot was fired by police."

Despite attempts to save the man, he was pronounced dead at 1.44pm.

Officers are still at the scene, but there is no wider risk to the public, the force said.

"We have not yet informed the man's next of kin, so he has not been formally identified," the force said.

Officers are still at the scene, a large area outside the station, which is open, and trains are running as normal.

There is disruption to the bus station and taxi rank outside the station as this area is currently part of the scene, police said.

The force asked people to make alternative travel arrangements and check before travelling.

A few entrances to the building have been closed off, but London Northwestern Railway said there has been no impact on services.

It warned passengers there is reduced access to the front of the station.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said TVP had referred the incident to the watchdog.

A spokesperson said it had begun an independent probe into the shooting, adding it was "notified by TVP shortly after the incident" and that IOPC investigators have been sent to the station.

The spokesperson added: "Our thoughts are with the family of the man who died and all those who have been affected by this incident.

"Our role in these circumstances is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police.

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"We declared an independent investigation at 2.26pm. It is in its very early stages and no further information is available at this time."

As of 5pm on Tuesday, a large plastic barrier was erected outside the exit to the station, with an officer standing guard.

Emily Darlington, Milton Keynes Central MP, said: "I was shocked to hear of the events outside Milton Keynes Central Station today. My thoughts are with everybody affected, and I am grateful for the swift action taken by the emergency services to keep the public safe."

(c) Sky News 2025: Man 'carrying a knife' shot dead by armed police at Milton Keynes railway station