Heathrow shooting 'was suicide bid'

Police sealed off the scene

A man who died following a shoot-out with police near Heathrow airport may have been trying to commit suicide, the former head of the Flying Squad has said.

Scotland Yard has launched an investigation after a man pointed a gun at officers after a routine police patrol stopped a car on the A4 near the British Airways headquarters at Colnbrook, Berkshire.

Shots were fired and the man, described as white, died in hospital.

An investigation, overseen by the Police Complaints Authority, has begun.

Police say there is nothing at this stage to suggest the incident was terrorist related and former Flying Squad chief John O'Connor said it may have been an attempt by the man to kill himself.

He told BBC London's 94.9fm: "Anybody going in that area where there is heightened security and waving a gun at police officer seems to me that he is drawing attention to himself and wants to be killed.

The shooting happened near BA's HQ

"It looks like it could be another of this phenomenon which we have seen in the States, and over here in recent years, of suicide at the hands of police."

Scotland Yard said the man had been spotted by a police dog handler who tried to flag down the driver to speak to him but he refused to stop and pulled out a gun.

The policeman called for armed assistance and officers from Heathrow Police arrived at the scene.

They shot the man after he confronted them.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the suspect fired any shots or how many gunshot wounds he received.

Forensic tests

A firearm was recovered from the scene and police are carrying out forensic tests.

Police have not revealed the man's identity until his relatives have been informed. It is also not clear what first raised the patrol officer's suspicions.

Commander Phil Gormley, who is leading the investigation, said: "What we know is that the individual was alone in the vehicle, as to why he was there and any links with other people remains to be discovered."

All armed officers involved have been taken off firearm duties, as is standard.

Roads near the airport have been sealed off and police have warned of possible traffic problems.

Security at the airport was increased last month amid fears it might be the target of terrorists.