A man has been shot dead by police in Bedford after he barricaded himself inside a property overnight.
Officers were called to reports of vehicles being damaged at about 10.40pm on Monday and found a man in his 40s who had blockaded himself inside a home and was making threats, Bedfordshire police said.
Armed officers attended the scene along with police negotiators and other emergency services, the force added, and nearby residents were evacuated from their homes.
Bedfordshire police said that “despite sustained efforts over a number of hours to engage with the man and bring the incident to a safe resolution … he presented a weapon before police fired” shortly after 9.30am on Tuesday.
The man, who has not yet been named by police, was treated at the scene but died an hour later. Bedfordshire police has made a mandatory referral to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which has launched an investigation.
A force spokesperson said: “A man has died after being shot by armed police in Bedford today. Officers were called to reports of vehicles being damaged in Aylesbury Road, Bedford, shortly after 10.40pm yesterday.
“They attended and found a man aged 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, shortly after 9.30am, he presented a weapon before police fired.”
The statement added: “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.
“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.”
A pathologist will carry out a postmortem examination to ascertain the cause of his death. The Bedfordshire coroner has been informed.
