The video will start in 8 Cancel

Latest news straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The man shot dead by police was Trevor Smith , an immensely popular 52-year-old known for his love of Birmingham City.

Known to most as Big Trev, the dad-of-two was killed by an armed officer who fired a single shot in a flat in Lee Bank on Friday.

Firearms officers surrounded the property in Wheeleys Lane shortly before 5am.

The intelligence led operation was, according to Independent Office for Police Conduct, concerning possession of firearms .

Smith suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene as officers desperately attempted to resuscitate him .

Who was Trevor Smith, or Big Trev?

(Image: Facebook)

A popular figure among Birmingham City supporters, Big Trev was also well-known at nightclubs including Arca Bar in the Arcadian.

Tributes continue to pour in in memory of Big T, described as a "Birmingham legend" and "such a lovely man, always smiling".

Richard Bayliss posted: "RIP Trev, there weren't many like you. It was an honour to have known you. A top top guy, you'll be sadly missed."

While Peter Fuller said: "R. I. P big t a true legend round Birmingham Town especially arca bar thoughts go out to ur family heavens gained a true solider."

And Rachael Seaman said in tribute: "Trev your heart was as big as your smile, your going too be missed by so many, one of life diamonds, tomorrow you should have been with us but instead you will join those whose the day about, you’ll never be forgotten."

Why is fatal shooting being investigated by IOPC?

(Image: Darren Quinton)

The Independent Office for Police Conduct oversees complaints made against officers.

The watchdog is now leading an investigation to determine whether the gunshot which killed Smith was necessary in the line of duty.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: "We have made contact with Mr Smith’s family to explain our role and I send them my condolences for their loss, and my thoughts are with everyone affected.

"We are at an early stage of our investigation and will be reviewing body-worn video footage from the officers involved as part of our enquiries.

"I can assure people we will carefully examine the circumstances of the shooting along with what planning went into the police operation.

"I would ask everyone for patience while a thorough investigation is carried out."

He added: "After being notified by West Midlands Police , our investigators were sent to the scene to gather evidence and oversee forensic examinations. We also attended the post incident procedures where officers involved have provided their initial accounts."

What was found inside the flat?

A gun, described as a non-police issue firearm, was recovered from the flat where Birmingham man Trevor Smith was shot dead by police.

A spokesman for the IOPC said: "We have established that during an intelligence-led operation concerning possession of firearms, police officers with an arrest warrant attended a flat in Wheeleys Lane at around 5am.

"After police had entered the property, a 52 year-old man, Trevor Alton Smith, was shot by an armed officer within the flat. Officers attempted resuscitation and an ambulance attended, but Mr Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

"We have so far verified that one officer fired one shot. No-one else was present in the flat. A non-police issue firearm was recovered from the property."

What is West Midlands Police saying?

(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)

West Midlands Police has referred the shooting to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

"A warrant was executed as part of an intelligence-led operation in Wheeleys Lane in Lee Bank just before 5am on Friday," a spokesman said.

"A man, in his 50s, was shot and died a short time later at the scene. The area is currently cordoned off. Officers’ body worn video has been downloaded.

"The matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)."

The Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, David Jamieson, said he is "monitoring the situation extremely closely".

He said: "There was an intelligence-led operation in Lee Bank just before 5am.

"A man in his 50s was shot and died at the scene.

"I scrutinise the police use of force very closely.

"Officers involved in this incident were wearing body worn cameras and that footage is being reviewed.

"I can also confirm the matter has been referred to the police watchdog - the Independent Office for Police Conduct."