AN inquest has been opened into the death of a Carlisle man who died following a fatal police shooting. 

Coroner Robert Cohen opened the inquest into the death of 40-year-old Sergii Kuzmenko at Cockermouth Coroner's Court this morning.

Mr Kuzmenko died at an address on Borland Avenue in Botcherby on December 19.

Police were called in the afternoon to a report of a man threatening people at the address.

Armed officers were sent to the scene, where they found a man in possession of a knife. Shortly after this, a police firearm was discharged.

The court heard that Mr Kuzmenko sustained a fatal gunshot injury.

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Due to the circumstances of his death, the coroner 'formally suspended' the inquest into Mr Kuzmenko’s death for the time being whilst it is still being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

A witness statement was admitted as evidence to the court however, by Detective Chief Inspector Patrick McDonnell of North Cumbria’s CID.

The statement explained that the chief inspector had cross-referenced a series of photographs of the deceased with photos taken in life of Mr Kuzmenko. It is his understanding that the deceased is in fact Mr Kuzmenko.

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Following the shooting, Cumbria Constabulary referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) watchdog, which immediately launched an investigation.

The IOPC said it has obtained initial accounts from 11 officers and has begun the process of reviewing evidence, including body-worn video showing events inside the property.

Upon the IOPC’s investigation opening, IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said: “This was a tragic incident and our thoughts are with all those affected.

"While police shootings are, thankfully, rare it is understandable that people will be concerned by recent events.

"This was an isolated incident and our independent investigation will be thorough to ensure we understand the circumstances that have led to a man losing his life."