Ireland /Milton Keynes, April 7, 2025 — A formal investigation has been launched following the fatal police shooting of David Joyce, a 38-year-old Irish national, who was shot by armed officers outside Milton Keynes Central Station last Tuesday. The incident, which has since been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has prompted serious public scrutiny and expressions of shock from friends and acquaintances in both the UK and Ireland.
Joyce, originally from Galway and a member of the Traveller community, had been living in England for over 15 years. He was previously imprisoned in the UK for firearm-related offences, including the manufacture and possession of illegal weapons. At the time of the incident, Joyce was reportedly carrying a knife when confronted by armed officers responding to reports of a man with a firearm at the station.
According to the IOPC, body-worn camera footage and CCTV confirm that Joyce was holding a knife and moved rapidly toward police before a single shot was discharged by an officer at close range. No firearm was recovered from the scene.
Community Reaction and Personal Tributes
Friends in Ireland described Joyce as a “gentle, quirky” individual and expressed disbelief at the circumstances surrounding his death.
“He was more like a frightened kitten than someone who could threaten anyone,” one longtime friend told the Irish Mirror. “He was slight, goofy, and always trying to make people laugh. It’s hard to believe lethal force was the only option.”
Others expressed concerns over his apparent mental health struggles, citing paranoia and delusional behaviour in the days leading up to his death. A neighbour in Milton Keynes recounted a conversation with Joyce shortly before the incident, during which he claimed he was being followed and monitored. “He was clearly distressed,” the neighbour said. “He believed cameras were watching him and that the police were after him.”
Joyce’s social media activity also painted a troubling picture of psychological instability. In past posts, he wrote about recurring violent dreams, gunfights, and supernatural fears. He had previously boasted online about building makeshift weapons, including a homemade taser and a “burning laser.”
Calls for De-escalation Tactics and Use of Non-Lethal Force
Some friends and commentators have raised concerns about the police response, questioning whether non-lethal methods—such as pepper spray or tasers—could have been used to subdue Joyce. “Given his physical build and apparent mental state, surely there were alternatives to live ammunition,” said one friend.
Thames Valley Police has acknowledged community concerns. “We understand this incident may cause alarm, but there is no wider risk to the public,” said Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie. She confirmed that the force had made a mandatory referral to the IOPC, which will conduct an independent review into the events.
Background and Context
Joyce had served a prison sentence beginning in 2022 for offences related to firearms and the illegal conversion of imitation weapons. He had only recently been released and was reportedly living with a partner in Milton Keynes. Police were first called to the railway station at 12:55pm on Tuesday following a report of a man with a gun. Although no firearm was recovered, officers encountered Joyce holding a knife near the station’s entrance.
The IOPC has stated that extensive video evidence, including bodycam and CCTV footage, has already been collected. Preliminary findings confirm that a single round was fired during the incident.
Significant travel disruptions occurred at the station in the aftermath, with a large police presence remaining on site for several hours.
Ongoing Investigation
As the IOPC investigation progresses, the circumstances surrounding the death of David Joyce continue to generate public debate about mental health, law enforcement tactics, and the appropriate use of force.
Further updates will be provided as the inquiry unfolds.
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