Armed police shoot dead murder inquiry suspect

A man shot dead by police during a ‘pre-planned operation’ was on bail in connection with a murder investigation after a pensioner was believed to have been bludgeoned to death during a burglary six weeks ago.

The 36-year-old died after armed officers attended an address in Goudhurst in Kent on Sunday (May 1), less than nine miles from Biddenden where 73-year-old Roy Blackman was found dead on March 21.

Mr Blackman, a retired mechanic, had suffered multiple blunt force injuries at his home after burglars stole his safe.

The man who died on Sunday has not been formally identified but police said the family of a man officers wanted to find in connection with the Biddenden murder have been informed.

Last week police issued an appeal for William Smith, 36, saying they wanted to speak to him in relation to Mr Blackman`s death.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said it is investigating Sunday`s incident, which happened around 8.30pm, adding that tests are being carried out on “what appears to be a non-police firearm found at the scene”.

A spokesperson for the IPCC confirmed the man was shot by police.

The dead man had been arrested in connection with the investigation into Mr Blackman`s murder and was on bail.

Mark Love, 37, of Frittenden Road, Staplehurst, has been charged with murder and aggravated burglary, Kent Police said.

Four other men arrested in connection with the incident are on bail, a spokesperson for the force added: “The matter has now been referred to the IPCC.”