A man who told officers he had firearms and was going to harm himself has died in a police shooting in east London.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the incident in Dagenham.
The Metropolitan police said officers were called to an address in Weston Green shortly before 8pm on Thursday by a man who said he planned to take his own life.
The man, believed to be aged 40, also told police he had loaded firearms.
Police attempted to engage with the individual before two shots were fired by an officer just before 9pm after he left the property he had called from, the Met said.
Despite the efforts of police and paramedics, the man was pronounced dead at 9.30pm.
The IOPC said a firearm was located near the man and another was recovered from inside the property.
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and all of those affected by this tragic incident.
“We have spoken with his family to offer our sympathies and explain our role.
“Given a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police.
“We know there will be questions about what happened but it’s important that we establish the facts about this incident before we comment further.”
Met assistant commissioner Matt Twist said: “Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the man who has died, with the local community in Dagenham and the officers involved in this incident.
“The IOPC is independently investigating this matter. It is right that officers are held to account when shots are fired, and we will work with the IOPC to provide all the information they need to carry out their inquiries.
“Our armed officers are highly trained and work around the clock to keep people safe in London.
“We ask them to do an incredibly difficult job every day and make split second decisions under huge pressure.
“A fatal police shooting is rare. The officers involved in this matter are being supported as they assist the IOPC investigation.”
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counsellor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org
