Police shoot man dead 'carrying a crossbow' in London stand-off

A MAN reportedly armed with a crossbow was today shot dead by police in south-east London.

- Anthony France & John Dunne

Officers were called to reports of a man attempting to force entry to a residential property in Bywater Place, Surrey Quays, at around 4.55am.

The man, said to be in his thirties, was threatening to hurt the people inside, and was reported to be armed with weapons including a crossbow, said police. Unarmed officers reportedly tried to speak to him but were threatened, and when police marksmen arrived he had got inside the building and was shot.

The man was given first aid but died at the scene. Two people in the building suffered minor injuries. Police were this morning awaiting confirmation of any weapons found at the scene. What appeared to be an ice pick was pictured at the scene.