THE FAMILY of much-loved Sean Fitzgerald shot dead by police in Coventry has issued a statement ahead of his funeral.
They have also released an image of him at the Ricoh Arena.
As we reported, the 31-year-old was killed by a single gunshot during an armed West Midlands Police raid in Burnaby Road, Holbrooks, on January 4.
The funeral will take place tomorrow (Friday, March 1) at midday at St Thomas Church, Keresley, Coventry.
He will then be laid to rest at Marston Lane cemetery, Bedworth, at 1.30pm.
The statement reads: “There has been a lot of public interest and concern around the circumstances of Sean’s death which is currently under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
“Sean’s family are engaged in that investigation.
“We are devastated that we are laying Sean to rest in these circumstances.
“We will continue in our efforts to uncover the truth and hold those responsible for Sean’s death to account.
“We have nothing further to say at this stage and ask that our family’s privacy is respected during this very difficult and distressing time”.
The public is encouraged to attend the service and pay respects.
His cousin, Lucy English-Davies, who raised nearly £1,000 in his memory, previously said: “We are giving him the best send off as he deserves it. All his family and friends will be there – although we shouldn’t be having to say goodbye to him at all.”
The ‘drugs bust gone wrong’ was part of what police chiefs described as a long-running police investigation.
After the incident, national watchdog IOPC confirmed no firearms were found at the property raided.
The former soldier’s death prompted widespread anger.
A Twitter account called ‘justiceforseanfitzgerald’ has been set up.
It posted earlier this month saying: “This hurts so much. I’m going to be saying bye to my big brother!
“But you will have the best send off.
“Everyone is welcome to the funeral and the wake. Bring your friends, bring your family.
“Let’s make sure he has the send off of a king.”
