London police shoot gunman dead

A man believed to be armed has been shot dead by police in south London.

Armed officers rushed to the scene after a man allegedly armed with a silver handgun was spotted in Loughborough Road, Brixton.

An armed response unit and local police responded and the man, in his 30s was shot in nearby Crowhurst Close.

The victim was rushed to King's College Hospital, but was pronounced dead.

Police have not yet revealed how many shots were fired or given further details about the handgun.

A post mortem will be carried out, and an inquest is due to be opened and adjourned.

The Metropolitan Police Service's Director of Professional Standards has been informed and an enquiry will be carried out.

The incident has also been voluntarily referred to the Police Complaints Authority.

The shooting comes amid growing concern over police fatal shootings after a mentally ill man was shot dead by armed officers in Liverpool last week.

Home Secretary David Blunkett is considering the use of tranquilliser guns to stop more fatal shootings.