THE man shot dead by police during a planned operation in Kent last night is thought to be William Smith.
A 36-year-old man, thought to be Smith, was shot as officers carried out the pre-planned operation in connection with the murder of 73-year-old Roy Blackman last night.
Smith, from Golford, near Cranbook, was being hunted by murder cops after 73-year-old Roy was bludgeoned to death at his Biddenden home in March.
Cops released an image of Smith on Thursday appealing for anyone with information on his whereabouts to get in contact.
Roy was murdered at his home during a suspected burglary, in which suspects stole a 5ft mustard-coloured safe and an air rifle on March 21.
Officers confirmed shots were fired during the planned raid in Goudhurst, Kent at 8.30pm last night and later confirmed a suspect had died.
A firearm has been recovered from the scene.
Kent Police said in a statement: "Formal identification of that person has not yet taken place but the family of a man officers wanted to locate in connection with the murder in Biddenden, have been informed.
"The matter has now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission as is mandatory for all police shootings."
An IPCC spokesman said: "The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will investigate a police shooting in Goudhurst, Kent in which a 36 year old man has died.
"The incident occurred in Smiths Lane at around 8:30pm yesterday (1 May 2016) during a planned police operation. After being notified by Kent Police, IPCC investigators deployed to the scene to oversee post incident procedures.
"Tests are being carried out on what appears to be a non-police firearm found at the scene, and forensic examination will continue throughout today.
"As with any fatal police shooting, an independent investigation was declared by the IPCC soon after being made aware of the incident. Further information will be released once verified by the IPCC.
"The man’s family and HM Coroner have been informed, however formal identification is yet to take place."
Roy's battered body was found inside the property where he is understood to have once run a car mechanic business.
Police said the suspects had left a "trail of devastation" through the house.
A post-mortem examination revealed he died as a result of multiple blunt force injuries.
At the time of the OAP's tragic murder, Detective Inspector Lee Whitehead of Kent and Essex police, who led the investigation, said: "Mr Blackman was beaten to death in his own home in what appears to be a violent burglary.
"A safe is missing from the property and we are keen to locate it.
"Mr Blackman was a well-known and well liked member of the community; he ran businesses in the area for many years and had a family who are distraught by his murder."
Mark Love, 37, was charged with Roy's murder and aggravated burglary on April 10 and is due to appear before magistrates on Friday.
A total of six people have been arrested in connection with the pensioner's murder so far, with five remaining on bail.
At the time of the incident a Kent Police spokesperson said: "Detectives have also released a picture of a firearm resembling one reported missing from Mr Blackman's address.
"They are keen to locate the BSA SuperTen air rifle, which had a laser sight attached to the top, and are appealing for anyone who knows of its whereabouts to get in touch."
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