AN investigation was under way last night after a police marksman shot dead a man thought to be carrying a gun.

The incident happened after armed response officers surrounded the home of John Mark Scott, 42, in Kimberley Gardens, Stocksfield, Northumberland.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said the alarm was raised at 6pm on Saturday when an officer intervened after seeing Mr Scott attacking a woman.

The officer used CS gas several times, but Mr Scott continued the attack before retreating to his house, said the spokesman.

Police marksmen were called in and the area was cordoned off to protect surrounding residents.

Assistant chief constable of Northumbria Police, Kevin Mathieson, said Mr Scott was shot once after appearing at the window with what appeared to be a firearm.

Chief Constable Mike Craik said the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) would investigate the shooting.

An IPCC senior investigator was sent to the scene following the incident.

IPCC duty commissioner Mehmuda Mian Pritchard said: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Scott.

"Our IPCC investigators are currently assessing the situation and a decision about how the investigation into his death will be carried out will be made in the next few days.

"We will ensure that any inquiry is thorough and impartial."

After the shooting, the officer who fired the shot entered the house and gave Mr Scott medical attention.

Mr Scott was taken to hospital in Newcastle by air ambulance but was pronounced dead on his arrival.

A post-mortem examination is being carried out by home office pathologist Doctor James Sunter.

The injured woman, who was being treated in hospital, has not been named by police because they said she was a key witness in their inquiry.

Mr Craik said Mr Scott had previously had licenses for shot guns revoked by the authorities.

He said that a gun, together with ammunition, were found at the scene.

Mr Craik said: "While police positioned themselves, Mr Scott appeared at an upstairs window with what appeared to be a firearm.

"He was shot by a firearms officer and the same officer entered the house and administered first aid.

"The police officer who is believed to have shot Mr Scott has not been suspended, but is currently not carrying out armed duties."