Gunman dies after stand-off

A GUNMAN died yesterday after apparently shooting himself in the head following a 16-hour stand-off with British police.

Paramedics spent more than three hours trying to save the man after at least one shot was fired on Leagrave Common, in Luton.

Witnesses had reported that the man was holding a sawn-off shotgun to his chin, before the blast rang out shortly before midday.

Police said one marksman may have also discharged a shot during the confrontation.

Armed police were called to the area after a member of the public dialled 999 to report a man in Wauluds Bank Drive with a gun on Sunday night.

They found a man walking across Leagrave Common at about 8.30pm.

The gunman, who was wearing dirty jeans, a hooded top, cap and scarf, was seen walking around with a gun held to his chin.