An inquest has heard how a man pointed a shotgun at police, before he was shot by a trained marksman.

Steven Dickson, 30, was shot in Codnor, near Ripley in Derbyshire in the early hours of 1 November last year.

PC Jeff Braithwaite fired the shot that killed Mr Dickson after Derbyshire Police were called out following reports of a man carrying a sawn-off shotgun.

Coroner Peter Ashworth, outlining the case at the inquest in Derby on Tuesday, said warnings were given by two armed police officers before Mr Dickson was shot in the stomach.

Single shot

Mr Dickson been drinking and was involved in a row at his former partner's home.

Armed police were called in after he was seen outside her house carrying a sawn-off shotgun.

The inquest was told there was a single shot to the abdomen from a high-velocity police rifle.

PC Jeff Braithwaite fired the fatal shot

The bullet caused massive internal injuries and despite efforts to save him, Mr Dickson died in hospital in Derby.

A pathologist said urine tests for alcohol showed Mr Dickson was "moderately drunk" that night.

Mr Dickson's former partner Janet Blurton, had called out police after Mr Dickson had threatened her with a knife.

Two unarmed officers responded and Mr Dickson left the house.

Soon afterwards they saw him again outside, this time with a shotgun.

He pointed it at them - and they called for armed back-up.

PC Braithwaite is due to give evidence on Wednesday.

The inquest is expected to end on Friday.