A murder suspect shot by police died from wounds to his head and chest, an inquest heard.

William Smith, 36, was reportedly shot four times during a planned operation in Goudhurst on Sunday, May 1.

Mr Smith, who was a builder, was pronounced dead by an ambulance crew at 9.10pm and later identified by his fingerprints.

The police operation was part of a murder investigation. Roy Blackman, 73, was found bludgeoned to death at his bungalow in Headcorn Road, Biddenden, on Monday, March 21, after a violent burglary.

Mr Smith's inquest was opened by coroner Roger Hatch during a brief hearing at Gravesend's Old Town Hall.

He said that due to the circumstances surrounding Mr Smith's death he would not set a date for the full hearing.

A post-mortem examination at Pembury Hospital on May 4 gave the cause of death as gunshot wounds to head and chest.

The inquest heard toxicology and histology tests are being carried out.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is holding its own inquiry.

Ballistic analysis and statements from officers show two Kent Police firearms officers discharged their weapons twice each during the incident in Smiths Lane.

Mr Smith was born in Pembury and known to have lived in Tenterden Road, Golford, near Cranbrook. He was married to Nancy Smith, also 36 and a student midwife.