TWO police firearms officers both discharged a single shot at an armed man who had earlier threatened a member of the public, an inquest was told today.

Dayniel Tucker, 39, of Adisham Green, Sittingbourne, died from gunshot wounds at the scene of the incident on December 29 at Stansted, near Sevenoaks.

John Cummins, senior investigator with the Independent Police Complaints Commission, said it had carried out an investigation following Mr Tucker’s death.

Mr Cummins said formal identification was given by Mr Tucker’s sister. Mr Tucker, who was single, was a precision engineer.

Mr Cummins told the inquest: “At 07.51, a 999 call was received by police from a member of the public who had been threatened in the road with a firearm.

"Unarmed police officers responded and saw Mr Tucker carrying a firearm.

“Armed police officers attended and found Mr Tucker in Tumblefield Road. At 08.28 he pointed a firearm at the armed officers. Two officers both discharged a single shot at Mr Tucker who was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics at 08.57.”

He said Home Office pathologist David Rouse had carried out a post-mortem examination and the cause of death was multiple gun shot wounds.

North and West Kent coroner Roger Hatch adjourned the inquest for a date to be fixed.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Tucker was was reported to have been brandishing an Uzi-type submachine gun at the scene.

In a statement members of his family said he would be sorely missed.

The statement added: "Dan was a loving brother, uncle and godfather. Although a private man, he was loyal to his friends and family and he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

"Dan worked as a precision engineer and took great pride in his work. He loved nature and the outdoors and took great delight in watching the sunrise every morning. He loved animals and was a strict vegetarian.

"We are devastated by his death, which has come as a huge shock to us all."

If you saw Mr Tucker between 10pm on Friday, December 28 and 8.30am on Friday, December 29, or saw his car, a Mitsubishi Colt with the registration number J278 WDC, contact the IPCC incident room on 0800 0969072 or email: tucker_incident@ipcc.gov.uk