Armed siege ends

A man's died following a 15-hour armed stand off with police in Luton.

A single gunshot was heard at about midday on Monday 24 January 2011 at the centre of a police operation at Leagrave Park near the Marsh Farm estate.

Just before 4pm Bedfordshire Police confirmed the man had been pronounced dead.

Chief Superintendent Clare Simons told Heart:

"It would appear that he 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 and Bedfordshire Police are co-operating fully."

The stand-off was sparked at about 8.30pm on Sunday 23 January when the man was challenged by armed police who suspected he was carrying a gun.

Armed officers surrounded the man and trained negotiators were brought in as police shut down the large open space.

The dead man was described as aged in his late-30s or early-40s, wearing dark clothing. He was sitting next to a brown paper McDonald's bag.