A man shot dead by police in Brighton yesterday has been named. Michael Fitzpatrick, 49, who had been living in Brighton, was gunned down in Rock Place, Kemp Town, on Thursday.

The Brighton and Hove Coroner has visited the scene and is expected to conduct an inquest into the death.

Witnesses in Rock Place have described seeing two men in plain clothes get out of a car and hearing two shots fired at a man at the bottom of the street.

Others said they saw a gun in the injured man's hand.

Sussex Police confirmed the officers involved were carrying out a planned operation to find a man wanted in connection with a string of armed robberies at post offices in Melville Road, Hove, Western Road, Hove, and the Santander bank in Burgess Hill.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission was expected to begin house-to-house inquiries in Rock Place today.

The road remained closed and the police tent over the shot where Mr Fitzpatrick fell was still in place this morning.

A post-mortem examination is expected to take place this afternoon.

It is believed CCTV footage of the incident captured by parking management firm Sussex Security Solutions is now being investigated.

The cordon may stay in place for the rest of the day but businesses are being allowed some access to their properties.

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown, issued a statement saying: "What happened today is a tragedy for all involved.

"It is important that the Independent Police Complaints Commission reports swiftly so that the air can be cleared.

"I am sure the police will want to co-operate fully.

"Incidents like this are a blessedly rare event in Brighton which generally has a low crime rate and is a terrific place to live, work and invest."

Anyone who witnessed the shooting is to contact the IPCC on 0800 096 9075 or email brightonshooting@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk.

Did you know Mr Fitzpatrick?

Call The Argus on 01273 544520