A man has been shot dead by police in a Flying Squad operation to stop a suspected armed robbery attempt, Scotland Yard have said.

The man, who has not been named, died in hospital after the incident at a building society in New Romney, Kent.

Three men have been arrested as part of the operation and the matter has been referred to the police watchdog the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed in a statement that detectives from its Flying Squad, supported by specialist firearms officers, had been involved.

The man was shot and injured and taken by ambulance to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent, where he died.

No police officers were injured in the incident.

Police recovered a firearm from the scene of the suspected robbery bid and it is due to be forensically examined.

The Met statement added that Kent Police are investigating the shooting and the circumstances of the attempted robbery.

The three arrested men remain in custody.