38-year-old Richard Woodcock sacrificed his life to save a child, a coroner has said.
Richard Woodcock, was found dead by police after receiving a call to a property in Denmead, Two Mile Ash on 26 June 2021.
Thames Valley Police officers were called to Denmead at around 9:20am following reports of a domestic disturbance before discovering Richard.
Milton Keynes Coroner's Court heard Coroner Tom Osborne rule that Richard was unlawfully killed, but that the heroic neighbour "saved the life of a two-year-old boy".
24-year-old Kelvin Igweani was shot by police at the property.
Mr Woodcock lived at the house next door and was said to have made his way into his neighbour's apartment to rescue the young boy who he thought to be in danger.
Coroner Tom Osborne said that the boy, who suffered life-threatening injuries and needed surgery, was saved by Mr Woodcock's "heroic conduct".
A post-mortem examination found that he had traumatic head injuries, consistent with repeated blows.
The court heard that a large kettlebell was used as a weapon on Mr Woodcock.
It was said that Mr Igweani then "barricaded" himself in the main bedroom with the injured boy. Police said that the child's cries could be heard, as could sounds of an "ongoing assault".
The court heard that officers made their way into the bedroom and armed response officers fired four shots, police said. He died at the scene.
Police say that despite immediate first aid and subsequent treatment from paramedics, Mr Igweani was pronounced dead at the scene.
A woman and another child had got out of the flat before the police arrived, the court heard.
In a tribute to Richard Woodcock that was made by his family last year, they said:“We have always been so proud of Richard and everything that he has achieved in life. We are devastated that Richard has been taken from us in such circumstances but we are also so immensely proud of the sacrifice that he has made to try and save a little boy’s life.
“His actions (on Saturday morning) were the type of man he was and that is how we would like him remembered."
A full inquest into Mr Igweani's death is due to be held at a later date.
