'Armed' woman shot dead by police

The 37-year-old woman was killed by police investigating reports of a woman with a gun in the early hours. Forensic experts are combing the car park, behind the High Street in Sevenoaks, Kent, for clues.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which is investigating the shooting, said a gun was recovered by police.

Witnesses described hearing shouting during a 20-minute stand-off, followed by a single gunshot at about 3am.

School caretaker Kevin Taylor, 47, whose Buckhurst Avenue home overlooks the car park, said he heard someone shout: "Drop the weapon."

He added: "It was about 3am, I checked my alarm clock which is right next to my bed. There was a bit of shouting and stuff, and it was all over in about 20 minutes. A woman police officer was doing all the shouting. As soon as the shot rang out I knew it was serious. It was very, very loud - it sounded like a real meaty weapon. There was a stand-off but it was dark and you couldn't see too much."

IPCC commissioner Nicola Williams said police were first alerted at about 1.20am to a woman in the High Street area with a gun. She said: "I send my sympathies to the woman's family and friends and also the police officers concerned. Whenever there is a fatal shooting by police our independent investigators go to the incident immediately."

She declined to comment on claims that the victim was a martial arts expert who was known to police. She said the woman was local.

Forensic officers could be seen working in the rear car park of M & Co, a department store based in the High Street.

The area behind the store is a loading bay, with several spaces for staff vehicles. Police have put up an inflatable tent and covered an area near two buildings with sheeting.