THE funeral of a 41-year-old armed robbery suspect shot dead by police in Kent last month was held today.

Robert Haines, from Challock, near Ashford, died on October 31 after being shot by Metropolitan police officers outside the Nationwide Building Society in New Romney, near Hythe.

The funeral service was held at Charing Crematorium, near Ashford.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has launched an inquiry into Mr Haines' death.

Three men have been charged in connection with the suspected armed robbery.

They are David Jenkins, 60, of Pantheon Gardens, Kingsnorth, Ashford, his son Dean Jenkins, 39, of Wilks Close, Rainham and Ben Grehan, 21, of Upper Norwood, south London.

All are charged with robbery and possession of a sawn-off shot gun and are in custody until their next crown court appearance on January 26.