The police watchdog has launched an investigation after a man was shot dead by armed officers in south east London.

The man in his 30s who was reportedly armed with a crossbow and was trying to force his way into a building in Bywater Place, Surrey Quays, just before 5am on Tuesday and threatening to hurt the people inside.

Unarmed officers tried to speak to him but were threatened, and when armed police arrived he had got into the building and was shot.

He was given first aid but died at the scene, and police are trying to contact his family.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation, as is standard when there is a fatal police shooting.

An IOPC spokesman said: “We have begun an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a man by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) earlier this morning in Southwark.

“We were notified by the MPS after the incident, which occurred shortly before 5am, and declared an independent investigation at around 6.40am.

“We have sent investigators to the scene and the police post-incident procedure to begin gathering evidence.

“Our investigation is in its very early stages.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, responsible for policing Southwark, said: “My thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.

“I understand the local community will be concerned at the events that have taken place this morning. We will fully support the IOPC investigation into the full circumstances of what happened.”

Two people in the building suffered minor injuries.