Shot man's 'compassionate' side

A charity fund has been set up in Mr Murden's memory

Charity worker Simon Murden has been described by family and friends as a "gentle man" with an "infectious" passion and enthusiasm for life.

It is a very different side to him compared to the one police witnessed on 22 March, 2005.

On that day, he was deemed to be such a threat to the public that he was shot six times and killed by armed officers.

They had been called to reports of the 26-year-old carrying swords and acting aggressively on the A63 near Hull.

Humberside Police said they had no option but to shoot at Mr Murden who was suffering a "psychotic incident".

For his parents Dave and Dorothy, the police's response was "senseless" and "disproportionate".

They have never been able to understand or justify the actions which resulted in the loss of their "much loved, thoughtful, gentle son and brother".

Mr Murden lived with his family in Beverley, East Yorkshire, and was described by them as a "compassionate charity worker".

Ghana memorial

He worked alongside his father for his Fair Trade charity the And Albert Foundation.

After his death, his parents created a website for friends and relatives to pay tribute to a son who "cared passionately for those around him".

It describes how Mr Murden visited the charity's project sites in Africa in 2005 and was so touched by what he experienced, he had pledged to make a difference on his return.

Following his death, a memorial was held in his memory in Kumasi in Ghana where Mr Murden had visited and made friends.

It is through the charity that Mr Murden's family are ensuring his spirit lives on.

They have set up a fund in Simon's name to raise money for developing countries.

The website reads: "Simon was passionate about making a difference to people's lives... and we want to continue the work he was involved with."

It continues: "He [Simon] was an everyday, fun loving man with everything to live for.

"That his work for the And Albert Charity ended so shockingly in a death of such shockingly unbelievable circumstances is still impossible for us to fully comprehend."