AN inquest into the fatal police shooting of a crossbowwielding father is expected to open next week.

Father-of-two Keith Richards, 47, was killed by police firearms officers on Tuesday morning after an armed stand-off at his home in Cheapside, Shildon, County Durham.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the incident, and said yesterday that an inquest into his death could open on Wednesday.

It is likely to be held in Durham or Darlington.

Forensic examiners, who had been combing Mr Richards’ house for evidence since Tuesday morning, left the scene yesterday, and the front door of the property had been boarded up.

Mr Richards’ body was expected to be formally identified last night.

A post-mortem examination on Tuesday evening showed he had gunshot wounds to his neck, torso and arm. The injuries to his neck and arm were caused by the passage of one bullet.

The results indicated that he was shot from the front.

Two rounds were fired from police firearms during the incident.

Mr Richards had been thrown out of the Three Tuns pub, in Shildon, on Monday night after arguing with football fans during the emotionally charged Newcastle-Middlesbrough match.

His wife, Julie, said she spoke to him twice that evening, and he sounded fine both times.

Neighbours believed he may have had a grudge against the police, and he made several 999 calls after arming himself with a crossbow.

The incident was the first fatal shooting by Durham Police officers.

The force has not suspended any officers, but said that those involved had been temporarily moved to nonfirearms roles for welfare reasons.

The IPCC is urging people who saw the incident to contact its witness appeal line.

Gary Garland, IPCC Commissioner for the North-East, said: “Even if you think the information you have is insignificant, it may well help our investigation.”

Call the appeal line on 0800-096-9078.