Man Shot Dead By Armed Police In Murder Hunt

A 36-year-old man has been shot dead during an operation by armed police in Kent.

Officers were called to an address at Smiths Lane in Goudhurst on Sunday night and a man was fatally injured at the scene.

The pre-planned operation was linked to the murder of 73-year-old Roy Blackman in Biddenden, Kent, on 21 March.

He was found dead at his home in Headcorn Road after burglars had stolen his safe.

Mr Blackman died from multiple blunt force injuries.

The dead man in Goudhurst has not been formally identified.

But police said the family of a man officers wanted to trace in connection with Mr Blackman's murder have been informed.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating Sunday's incident.

It said tests are being carried out on "what appears to be a non-police firearm found at the scene".

In a statement the IPCC said: "After being notified by Kent Police, IPCC investigators deployed to the scene to oversee post incident procedures.

"Tests are being carried out on what appears to be a non-police firearm found at the scene, and forensic examination will continue throughout today.

"As with any fatal police shooting, an independent investigation was declared by the IPCC soon after being made aware of the incident."