Bedfordshire Police Shoot Man Dead in Bedford Standoff — Bedford News

Bedford news: Bedfordshire police shot dead a man in his 40s after an overnight standoff at a property on Aylesbury Road in Bedford. Officers were called at about 10.40pm on Monday to reports of vehicles being damaged, then found the man barricaded inside and making threats.

Specialist armed officers, police negotiators and other emergency services stayed at the scene through the night. Nearby residents were evacuated while the incident continued, and police later said there is not believed to be any ongoing risk to the public.

Aylesbury Road overnight

Bedfordshire police said the man presented a weapon shortly after 9.30am on Tuesday, before officers fired. He was treated at the scene and died shortly before 10.30am on Tuesday.

“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,” Bedfordshire police said. The force also said: “Officers and medical professionals provided immediate advanced first aid at the scene.”

Police watchdog inquiry

Bedfordshire police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and the watchdog has launched an investigation. The Bedfordshire coroner has been informed, and a pathologist will carry out a postmortem examination to ascertain the cause of death.

Police said: “A number of properties were evacuated while the incident was ongoing.” The force also said: “Residents are being supported to return to their homes and it is not believed there is any ongoing risk to the public.”