Officers remain at the scene in Goudhurst where a man was shot dead by police, as the investigation enters its second day.

Armed officers swooped on an address in Smiths Lane at 8.30pm on Sunday and shots were fired. A non-police firearm was recovered at the scene.

The man who was killed has been named locally as 36-year-old William Smith, also known as Bill.

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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.

Today, several police cars remain at the scene and what appears to be a forensics tent has been put up.

Photographer and designer Michael Bennett, 61, from Goudhurst said: "The first I knew of it was when the police and media started gathering.

"Most people say there were several shots followed by automatic fire with an interval between them.

"It is quite shocking to know this has happened within earshot of where you live. But it won't shake my faith in the area because this is a safe area to live and this is a one off.

"My son had friends over for a sleepover at the time. The thought this happened so close by is sobering."

VIDEO REPORT: Neighbours speak of their shock following police shooting. Ben Kennedy reports

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I heard about five bangs, one after the other.

"They must have been loud because I was indoors and could hear them over the telly. I thought it must have been people out shooting rabbits. It was shocking to find out what had happened."

VIDEO: Shots taken yesterday after a man was shot dead by police.

Most of the activity was reportedly taking place around an orchard off Lidwells Lane.

One resident told KentOnline: "There were cars here all night in the field and today they have erected a tent.

"Goudhurst is usually an extremely quiet and safe place to live and one doesn't like the idea of firearms being let off.

"Guns go off from time to time when people are hunting rabbits so it is not unusual to hear shots.

"It is worrying that the police had to shoot a person and one hopes it is a one off."

A 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."

Ian Pointon, chairman of Kent Police Federation, said: "Police firearms officers perform a difficult and extremely responsible role on behalf of society.

"Kent Police Federation is supporting the officers involved and will continue to do so until all matters are concluded.”

It is the fourth fatal police shooting to happen in Kent.

Dayniel Tucker from Sittingbourne was killed near Sevenoaks in 2007 after pointing a gun at police after threatening a member of the public.

The same year Ann Sanderson was fatally shot in an armed stand-off in Sevenoaks town centre.

In 2006, bank robber Bob Haines was killed fleeing the scene of a robbery in New Romney.

In each of the instances, the killings were found to be lawful.

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.

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.