Police expected to name dead gunman

May 7 2008

A man who died after trading shots with police during a five-hour stand-off may be named later today.

The gunman died on Tuesday night after the siege in Markham Square, Chelsea, west London, Scotland Yard said.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has launched an investigation into the shooting. A post-mortem examination is expected to take place, after which the man's identity may be released.

The siege began when armed officers were called to reports of gunshots from a residential property at 4.50pm on Tuesday. The gunman opened fire on them and police fired back.

Kings Road was closed, with a number of shop workers and customers forced to lock themselves in nearby buildings.

A police negotiator was called in, but shots were heard at the property again about 9pm, and officers returned fire.

Shots were then exchanged again about half an hour later, and shortly afterwards emergency medical staff were seen being allowed into the cordoned-off area.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing green flashes, indicating police may have used stun grenades before entering the flat. One said the gunman was in his late 20s with dark brown hair.

Met Police Commander Ali Dizaei said the gunman had made no demands.

Earlier, there had been speculation that the shooting was linked to a domestic dispute that escalated.