An armed robber shot dead by police would have chosen to die rather than go back to jail, his friends have said.

Michael Fitzpatrick, known by the nickname Killer Mick, was wanted by police for a string of armed robberies.

He had already spent 14 years in jail after plotting the murder of a millionaire’s wife.

Sussex Police had been searching Kemp Town for Fitzpatrick for several hours when they found him in Rock Place at 1pm on Thursday.

The 49-year-old is believed to have pulled out a handgun before armed plain clothed officers fired twice.

For full report and pictures see today's Argus.