Police shot man dead after 'domestic incident'

A 53-year-old man was shot dead by police at an isolated house early today.

The shooting took place at 1.25am at Lewannick, four miles from Launceston, Cornwall.

The incident was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, who will investigate today.

Dozens of police were called to the address at 9pm yesterday, following a report of threats of violence. It is understood the matter was a domestic incident.

Devon and Cornwall police negotiators were at the scene of the incident where the local man was shot.

"Emergency treatment was administered at the scene, but the man later died in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth," said a police spokesman.

It is not yet known whether there was anybody else in the house at the time of the shooting, or how many shots were fired.

Police said today that the area had been cordoned off.