A lovesick man who killed himself with a rifle after being shunned by the woman he adored has been named - as police continue to investigate the death.

Andrew Stevens, 36, picked up a rifle and shot himself in the head in a courtyard outside a house in Southover High Street, Lewes, on May 1.

He was taken to hospital but was later pronounced dead.

A statement released by the Independent Police Complaints Commission yesterday said: "On the evening of May 1 Sussex Police were called to a report of an intruder at a house in Southover High Street.

"As an officer opened the gate the man, Andrew Stevens, picked up a rifle and shot himself in the head. The police officer attempted first aid but Mr Stevens was pronounced dead at hospital."

IPCC Commissioner Nicola Williams said: "The officer was unarmed and witnessed a most distressing incident. It is a reminder of the dangers that officers can face at any time. He will be treated as a witness.

"We know that Mr Stevens had driven from his home city of Bristol that day. The IPCC will direct part of the inquiry, which will be carried out by Sussex Police professional standards department.

"It will examine the lead up to this incident. It will look at the granting of the firearms licence and also whether the incident could have been prevented."

The investigation report will go to HM Coroner for East Sussex.

Two unarmed police officers and two community support officers had been called to the house.

A Sussex Police spokesman said after the incident that no one else is being sought in connection with the incident.

The IPCC is the body with overall responsibility for the police complaints system.

Since April 2006 it has taken on responsibility for similar, serious complaints against HM Revenue and Customs and the Serious Organised Crime Agency in England and Wales.