Cathedral man 'aimed pistol at police'

A MAN shot dead by police in the precincts of a cathedral appeared to be about to fire the pistol he was holding, it was revealed today.

David Sycamore was hit less than 20 minutes after armed officers arrived at Guildford Cathedral on 30 November. Today an interim report by the Independent Police Complaints Commission said the officers believed he was about to shoot a loaded gun, which later turned out to be a blank-firing replica.

Armed officers were told to make no armed response unless a threat was produced. When they asked the manic depressive to show his hands he replied: "Why?" Mr Sycamore, 39, declined to stand up and walk towards them. He then put his right hand into his jacket and pulled out a pistol, the report said.

"They shouted to 'stay still' and 'put the gun down'. He appeared to pull back the action of the pistol and raise it in the direction of the police officers."

Two then opened fire, hitting him in the arm and chest. An IPCC spokesman said the investigation would continue.