Man dies after 15-hour police standoff in Luton

A man died after shooting himself in Luton following a 15-hour stand-off with police. Paramedics sent more than three hours trying to save the man’s life after at least one shot was fired on Leagrave Common in north Luton.

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said: “We confirm that the man involved in the shooting incident in the Sundon Park Road area of Luton today (yesterday) has been pronounced dead after being treated at the scene.

“It would appear at this time the man discharged a weapon on himself, a shotgun has been recovered at the scene and it appears that it was in his possession at the time.”

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Eyewitnesses said the man had held a sawn-off shotgun to his chin and fired. Police said one marksman may have also fired a shot during the confrontation.

Armed police had been called to the area after a member of the public dialled 999 to report a man wandering around carrying a gun.

Armed officers were joined by dog handlers and specialist negotiators and a stand-off took place and continued through the night.