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Man shot dead by officers was carrying knife - police

David Wojtowicz/BBC Female police officer with dark brown hair wearing a black vest with "Police" on the back, and yellow hi-vis. She has her back to the camera. There is a yellow and black police car in the background and a plastic walkway canopy. David Wojtowicz/BBC
There has been a heavy police presence at the station throughout the day

A man reported to have a firearm who was shot dead by officers was carrying a knife, police have confirmed.

Officers were called to Milton Keynes Central at 12:55 BST on Tuesday to reports of a man carrying a firearm at the station on Elder Gate, before a shot was fired.

A Thames Valley Police (TVP) spokesperson said "life-saving actions" had been taken but the man was pronounced dead at 13:44.

The force later said officers had challenged a man who actually had a knife and who had "moved at speed towards officers" with it.

The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

"TVP armed officers responded and challenged a white man who was carrying a knife outside the station," the police said in a statement shared on Tuesday.

Milton Keynes commander, Ch Supt Emma Baillie, said: "We understand that this incident may cause concern locally, but we would like to reassure the community that there is no wider risk to the public."

David Wojtowicz/BBC Police officer in yellow hi-vis jacket with her left hand on her ear. She is standing next to a yellow and blue police car in between two red cones. There is police tape in the background and parked cars beyond that.David Wojtowicz/BBC
Passengers were warned that some access to the station might be restricted while the investigation continued

Eyewitnesses told the BBC they had heard screaming between officers and the suspect with the man refusing their requests to drop to the ground.

Hever Marin said he had heard a "very loud" shot and described the incident as "distressing".

David Wojtowicz/BBC Three people in white has-mat overalls and wearing blue masks and blue gloves. They are searching in a line of green skips. There are glass doors behind them.David Wojtowicz/BBC
Forensic teams searched the station for evidence

Shazna Muzammil, a councillor and Conservative group leader at Milton Keynes City Council, told the BBC the incident was "really shocking".

"I really hope that everyone feels a bit safer knowing the police and emergency services have stepped up in support of residents and passengers," she said.

David Wojtowicz/BBC Yellow and blue police van parked just in front of a black canopy with "MK Central" in white letters on the side. There is a police officer talking to security guards by a metal railing. The white canopy of the main entrance is visible to the right.David Wojtowicz/BBC
The police and crime commissioner praised the "brave" and "decisive" response from officers

Matthew Barber, police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, praised the officers involved for their actions.

"It is tragic that a man died in yesterday's incident, but I am thankful to the police officers who responded bravely and acted decisively in order to protect the public.

"If they had not done so the outcome could have been much worse."

The force has asked the public not to share footage or speculate about details online.

David Wojtowicz/BBC A large blue collapsible tent on the station concourse, made up of triangular segments, underneath a "MK Central" sign. There is a one-way street arrow above the tent. Two people in white hazmat overalls and blue gloves are standing next to chairs and a table in front of the tent.David Wojtowicz/BBC
The force has moved to reassure people there is no wider risk to the community following the incident

A heavy police presence remains at Milton Keynes Central on Wednesday.

London Northwestern Railway, which runs the station, has confirmed that trains are running as normal but that it may be busier than usual.

However, pedestrians travelling to the station have been warned that some access is restricted.

It also said some bus and taxi operations have been affected due to reduced access at Station Square.

‘I was scared’: Police shooting at MK Station

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