A man shot dead by police is thought to be 36-year-old William Smith.

Police investigating the murder of pensioner Roy Blackman, 73, at his home in Biddenden had released a picture of Mr Smith last week and appealed for information on his whereabouts.

Armed officers turned up at an address in Smiths Lane, Goudhurst at 8.30pm yesterday (Sunday) and shots were fired. A non-police firearm was recovered at the scene.

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A non-police firearm was recovered at the scene.

VIDEO: The area remains cordoned off as investigations continue.

The Daily Express reported tonight that the dead man was Mr Smith.

The pre-planned operation was carried out in relation to the murder of Mr Blackman, 73, at his home in Biddenden in March.

Today (Monday) the area around Smiths Lane remained cordoned off as investigations continued.

A team of forensic officers were working at the remote scene throughout the day.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Shots were fired during the incident. One man was fatally injured at the scene and a firearm has been recovered.

"Formal identification of that man has not yet taken place but the family of a man officers wanted to locate in connection with the murder in Biddenden, have been informed.

"The matter has now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) as is mandatory for all police shootings."

The IPCC confirmed that the man had been shot by police.

An IPCC spokesman said: "The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will investigate a police shooting in Goudhurst, Kent in which a 36 year old man has died.

"The incident occurred in Smiths Lane at around 8.30pm yesterday (Sunday) during a planned police operation.

"After being notified by Kent Police, IPCC investigators deployed to the scene to oversee post incident procedures.

"Tests are being carried out on what appears to be a non-police firearm found at the scene, and forensic examination will continue throughout today.

"As with any fatal police shooting, an independent investigation was declared by the IPCC soon after being made aware of the incident. Further information will be released once verified by the IPCC.

The man’s family and HM Coroner have been informed, however formal identification is yet to take place."

Roy Blackman was found bludgeoned to death at his Headcorn Road bungalow on Monday, March 21, after a violent burglary.

A post mortem examination revealed that Mr Blackman had died from multiple blunt-force injuries.

A large mustard-coloured safe was taken from the property, which remains missing, while an air rifle stolen during the raid has been recovered.

Police believed that an entire gang was behind the raid.

In a fast-moving investigation officers have arrested seven men since the tragedy.

One is in custody and due to appear at crown court charged with murder and aggravated burglary and the others were bailed.

Police had swooped on a vehicle travelling on the A28 Tenterden Road on the evening of Monday, April 25, and arrested am man on suspicion of assisting an offender.

This happened just hours after officers supported by armed units and a helicopter raided a property at Grants Road, St Michael's near Tenterden.

No arrests were made and police left the address at 7pm.

Mr Blackman was a widowed father-of-three who was still working as a mechanic and was locally known as an expert bird breeder.