A man has died after being shot by armed police.
Bedfordshire Police were called to reports of vehicles being damaged at Aylesbury Road in Bedford shortly after 10.40pm on Monday.
Officers 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 efforts over a number of hours to engage with the man, shortly after 9.30am, police said he presented a weapon before officers fired.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct have launched an investigation into the shooting. Credit: ITV News Anglia
The man was pronounced dead shortly before 10.30am. His next of kin have been informed.
A number of properties were evacuated during the incident.
Residents are now being allowed 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.
A cordon will remain in place while inquiries continue.
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