A MAN killed in a "pre-planned police operation" on the M62 died from gunshot wounds to his chest, a post-mortem examination has found.

The inquest into 28-year-old Yassar Yaqub's death on January 2 is due to open in Bradford tomorrow.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the incident in which Mr Yaqub was shot by a West Yorkshire Police firearms officer at about 6pm on Monday after two vehicles were stopped on a sliproad off junction 24.

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The two vehicles stopped by police on the sliproad were a white Volkswagen Scirocco and a white Audi in which Mr Yaqub was travelling.

Police officers involved in the incident were travelling in four unmarked police vehicles.

A non-police issue firearm, found in the Audi, was secured in the presence of IPCC investigators at the scene and is undergoing ballistics and forensic testing.

Forensic tests are also being carried out on the two vehicles stopped and an unmarked police car.

None of the police officers involved were wearing body worn video cameras and so far no relevant CCTV footage of the incident has been found.

IPCC Commissioner Derrick Campbell said: “I would like to reassure the local and wider community that this will be a thorough and detailed independent investigation.

"We will be carefully examining all the circumstances leading up to Mr Yaqub’s death, including the planning of the police operation, and the actions of the officers involved that evening.

“I am, of course, aware there are many unanswered questions but I would urge patience at this time and that people allow our investigation to run its course.

"If anyone witnessed events who has not yet come forward we would be grateful to hear from them.

"We are making steady, positive progress, and are continuing to build a picture of what exactly happened. We are in contact with Mr Yaqub’s family and will be keeping them updated.”

IPCC investigators are continuing to gather information and build a picture of the events that unfolded.

Witnesses should contact them either by email at M62incident@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk or on 0800 096 9072.

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