Police shooting inquest begins

A coroner's inquest began in Christchurch today for a man shot dead by police following a rampage in the city two years ago.

Stephen Bellingham was shot in the chest and leg in September 2007 following reports of him smashing car windows with a claw hammer.

He was understood to have been on a party pill binge and police said he was advancing on, and threatening the officer shortly before being shot.

- NZPA