Man shot dead by police following overnight stand-off

Bedfordshire Police said it was initially called  to reports of vehicles being damaged in Aylesbury Road shortly after 10.40pm on Monday.

Officers attended and found a man in his 40s who had barricaded himself inside a property and was making threats. Specialist armed officers attended the scene, supported by police negotiators and other emergency services.

Despite sustained efforts over a number of hours to engage with the man and bring the incident to a safe resolution, the man pointed a weapon at officers shortly after 9.30am and was subsequently shot.

Officers and medical professionals provided immediate advanced first aid at the scene. Despite these efforts, the man was pronounced dead shortly before 10.30am. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. No-one else was inside the property during the stand-off.

A number of properties were evacuated while the incident was ongoing. Residents are being supported to return to their homes, and it is not believed there is any ongoing risk to the public.

In line with standard protocols, Bedfordshire Police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who have since launched an investigation.

As well as Bedfordshire Police, officers were supported by crews from East of England Ambulance Service, including two critical care crews from Magpas Air Ambulance, and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.