UK

Man shot dead was pensioner Roy Blackman's murder suspect

The shooting of the 36-year-old man occurred in Kent
The shooting of the 36-year-old man occurred in Kent The shooting of the 36-year-old man occurred in Kent

A MAN shot dead by police during a pre-planned operation was on bail in relation to the investigation into the murder of a pensioner who is believed to have been bludgeoned to death during a burglary six weeks ago.

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

Mr Blackman had suffered multiple blunt force injuries at his home in Headcorn Road after burglars stole his safe.

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

A spokeswoman for the IPCC confirmed the 36-year-old man was shot by police.

Kent Police said the dead man, who has not been formally identified but whose family have been informed, 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, they added.