Father-of-two, 57, brandishing 'rifle' is shot dead by police after row broke out during illegal lockdown party in Swindon as residents describe hearing loud bangs and screaming at 2am

A 57-year-old father-of-two has been shot dead by armed police in Swindon town centre after a row broke out in the middle of the street.

Neighbours said an illegal lockdown party was being held in a garden and a passing stranger was invited to join in at around 2am.

But a row broke out and a rifle was brandished, at which point police were called, neighbours said.

They also heard shouting and screaming before a loud bang at around 2am on Sunday morning after police had arrived.

Paramedics rushed to the scene on Summers Street and gave the man CPR but he died in the ambulance at 2.56am.

Forensic experts and police scour the scene after a man, 57, was fatally shot after an argument in Swindon on Sunday night. A rifle appeared to be on the ground behind the police cordon

Neighbours said they heard shouting and screaming before a loud bang at around 2am on Sunday morning 

An investigation has been launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and forensic experts were scouring the area on Sunday morning.

A rifle appeared to be on the ground in the police cordon, along with an Armed Response Vehicle - a navy blue BMW X5 which is believed to have been involved in the shooting.   

Shocked neighbours said the dead man was a father-of-two working as a mechanic who 'would do anything for you'.

A 66-year-old man who did not want to give his name, said: 'Anything you needed or wanted he'd have helped you out 

A 62-year-old man, whose house looked on to one of the cordons, said 'It makes you wonder what's going on round here, but isn't that the state of the world at the moment?'

Wiltshire Police said: 'We can confirm that following an incident in Summers Street, Swindon, shortly after 2am this morning a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct .

'This is regarding the death of a member of the public.

An investigation has been launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and forensic experts were scouring the area

Following the suspected shooting, there's a major crime scene cordon in place in Summers Street, with the road closed between Rodbourne Road and Morrison Street

'The IOPC are independently investigating this incident so it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further on it.

'We would, however, like to reassure the public there is no risk to the wider community and that there is likely to be an increased police presence in the area for a considerable time.'

The IOPC said: 'The Independent Office for Police Conduct has begun an independent investigation following an incident involving officers from Wiltshire Police in Summers Street, Swindon at just after 2am on 8 November.

'At this early stage it is believed a 57-year-old man has been fatally shot during the police response to reports of two men arguing in the street.

Paramedics rushed to the scene on Summers Street and gave the man CPR but he died in the ambulance at 2.56am 

'He was declared dead in an ambulance at 2.56am.

'Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of those affected by this terrible incident.

'OPC investigators are at the scene, and the post incident procedures where the key police witnesses will provide their initial accounts.

'It is mandatory for us to conduct an independent investigation when the police fatally shoot a member of the public. We have established protocols with the police to ensure our investigations do not hinder their ability to conduct enquiries as part of their related investigations.'

The chairman of the Wiltshire Police Federation called for a prompt investigation by the watchdog. 

Mark Andrews said: 'Officers who volunteer and are authorised to carry firearms on behalf of society - and who bravely do so to protect the public - are highly trained and are some of the best colleagues we have.

'Our thoughts are with all involved in this incident in Swindon and we are offering our colleagues our full support at this time as they go through the post-incident process.

'We call upon the Independent Office for Police Conduct to bring their investigation to a prompt conclusion for the benefit of all concerned.

'It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time due to the ongoing investigation.'