07/05/2008

Inquiry Launched Into Chelsea Shoot-Out

An independent inquiry has been launched to investigate the fatal shooting of a 32-year-old man in London.

The man - who has not been named officially but is believed to be barrister Mark Saunders - died after exchanging shots with police in Markham Square, west London last night.

Armed police entered the house in Markham Square and found the man, he was given first aid but died at scene.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) are investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: "The incident began just before 5pm when shots were heard. It would appear there were exchanges of fire during the course of the evening."

It is reported that Mr Saunders worked as a barrister in at QEB chambers in London and specialised in family law.

Eyewitness accounts of green flashes accompanied by explosions suggest that stun grenades were used before police entered the building.

Reports say that the gunman made no demands.

The IPCC say that the post mortem will be conducted at Westminster Mortuary this afternoon.

The area of the incident remains sectioned off and surrounding homes and businesses have been evacuated.

It is thought that the shooting is the first by the force since Metropolitan Police officers shot dead Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes at Stockwell Tube in July 2005.

According to reports Markham Square was ranked the 114th most expensive street in Britain because of the average cost of homes there.

(DS/JM)

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