THE death of a gunman whose body was found in woods after he shot his estranged wife in a Newport hair salon is to be investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said the force had voluntarily referred the case to the IPCC, which was standard procedure following the death of a person where police have had contact.

Darren Williams, 45, of Cwmbran, was found dead in Brynglas Woods on Friday night five hours after a police manhunt was launched to find him.

His death is not being treated as suspicious and police are not looking for anyone in connection with his death, but were unable to say how he died.

Mr Williams walked into Carol Ann Hair Salon, Malpas Road, at 2.20pm, shooting his wife, named locally as Rachel Williams, with a double-barrelled shot gun.

She suffered a gun shot wound to the knee and remains in a stable condition in hospital.

Two other women, including one aged 92, who were injured by rebounds of the shots, have now been released from hospital.

Police believe the attack was sparked by Mr Williams' inability to come to terms with his split from his estranged wife and went to the salon to confront her about their separation.

Although known to have a passion for shooting and outdoor pursuits, Mr Williams did not have a shotgun licence and police are keen to talk to anyone who has information about the shotgun used.

Officers are studying CCTV images in a bid to try and piece together the sequence of events which lead to the shooting.

A white tent which that sealed off the entrance to the salon on Saturday has now been removed, but the shop remains closed with the blinds closed and cardboard covers the glass door.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.