A man has been shot dead by police in Bedford after barricading himself inside a property overnight. Bedfordshire police were called to reports of vehicles being damaged on Aylesbury Road at about 10.40pm on Monday.
Officers found a man in his 40s who had blockaded himself inside a home and was making threats. Armed officers, police negotiators and other emergency services attended, and nearby residents were evacuated.
Despite sustained efforts over several hours to engage with the man, shortly after 9.30am on Tuesday he presented a weapon before police fired. The man was treated at the scene but died about an hour later.
Bedfordshire police has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which has launched an investigation. The man's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
A force spokesperson said it is not believed there is any ongoing risk to the public. A postmortem examination will be carried out to ascertain the cause of death.
