A MAN suspected of shooting a police officer was found dead in his home this morning after an 18-hour armed siege came to an end, police said.

Pc David Lomas, 34, was shot at about 2pm yesterday when a routine arrest turned into an armed siege in Rawtenstall, Lancashire.

He was "comfortable" in hospital today.

The suspect, named locally as Stephen Hensby, a loner in his 50s, was found dead when armed police stormed the house on Hardman Avenue this morning.

Chief Supt Jerry Graham, of Lancashire Police, said: "Following an extensive overnight police operation, firearms officers entered premises on Hardman Avenue this morning where they found a deceased male in an upstairs bedroom.

"A deceased dog was also found in the bedroom.

"No other people were present in the house when police officers entered and no further shots were fired.

"This was a difficult operation where the safety of the public and police officers was paramount.

"A police investigation has now been launched."

Pc Lomas 34, from Bury, Greater Manchester, was with a colleague when he was shot with a shotgun as he approached the house.

They were responding to reports of anti-social behaviour and "could not have predicted the level of violence", according to Mr Graham.